This is going to be a cluster. Once most of the states realize the what it will take to get the exchanges set up they'll pass. Our lying POTUS has put a massive cluster on the country. This will likely not get off the ground since it will be extremely complex, costly and close to impossible to implement. And to reitereate, Barak is a flat out liar.

Whitewolf. Barak Obama is a liar. I you choose to ignore what is really not in dispute then that is your choice....ignorance is bliss. In terms of George Bush, who cares. Last I looked he is not our POTUS. Barak Obama is and he has broken so many promises and lied to the American people on multiple fronts:

1). Gitmo closed in year 1 (nope)

2). Deficit reduced by half by end of term (nope)

3). Most transparent presidency ever (nope)

4). The HC mandate is not a tax (nope)

5). Stimulus bill will keep unemployment under 8% (nope)

He is inherently dishonest. His presidnecy has by all measures been a failure. What a shame.

Throw Scooter Walker of WI into that pile as well.

FOR SURE!!! how DARE that obama create a JOB DEMAND For workers in this country! how DARE he make many thousands of open positions for people to get good paying job in the healthcare industry!

HOW DARE HE! STRING HIM UP!

demoblat

Obama needs to be impeached, removed from office & imprisoned for treason first. He's trying to crash the health care system by overloading it with patients without creating any new doctors or hospitals. For that he belongs in prison.

Crowley

If Obama created a JOB DEMAND for workers in this country WHY IS THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE(U6) 14.5%???? Or as you Obama people like to quote 8.2%??? If he CREATED 4 MILLION JOBS WHY DO WE HAVE LESS PEOPLE WORKING NOW THAT IN JAN.2009???

Florida Gov. Rick Scott now says Florida will do nothing to comply with President Barack Obama's health care overhaul and will not expand its Medicaid program. The announcement is a marked changed after the governor recently said he would follow the law if it were upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

If this is not a case of "law breaking" and insurrection what is?

Florida does not have to comply with expanding Medicaid. However, Scott nor no other governor can decide to ignore U.S. Supreme Court decisions. What destructive forces are coming next from the right wing...

"we will ignore the judicial branch of government, again, prohibition is legal, we will not abide by the voting rights act, we will not permit women to vote, we will succeed from the union..."

The GOP is seeking to "purge" the population. GOP reactionaries are willing to tear America apart to force its harsh and backwards agenda.

Vigorously, the Justice Department should hold accountable officials that refuse to comply with this new judicially upheld law.

Sherry,

If you choose to believe that so be it. All I know is that the Obama administration attorneys argued in front of the Supreme Court that the mandate was a tax. The SCOTUS in effect agreed and confirmed that. Too bad the POTUS drove this albatross home claiming it was not....INSISTING it was not. Face it--he lied to the American people. Shameful.

PS: Saved auto industry? Give me a break. The auto industry was struggling along. However, it was the poorly run individula companies of GM and Chrystler that were going to fail which they quite frankly earned. Clearly one of GM's or Chrystlers competitors (or god forbid a private investor) would have purchased them out of bankruptcy for less than we americans ended up paying for them. BTW, when is the outstanding $20 Billion going to be paid back?

$20 Billion is peanuts compared to the alternative impact of GM/Chrysler both going under. Not that I am an applebox preacher for its dispersions and abject favoritisms and wastes.

Or how the FED told the Big Banks they WOULD take the Billion$ Paulson forced on them.

Many shady issues, but mosy moneys have been recovered, and the balance is not in collection due to non[ayment according to terms of the loans. We will still be out $10 billion from the Auto Bailouts anyhow before it is all written off.

Bushbama 2012!

We here in Florida was just told by our "wonderful" governor to kiss his back side. Forget the poor and elderly, Suppress the vote "targeted" areas (mostly minorities), and now, don't worry about your health care because it will cost too much money under AHCA aka Obamacare.

This bill, like man others, is mis-titled, as it is turning out to be the unaffordable healthcare act.

Talk to doctors in CA and you will find many (I have not found 1 yet that has read the law, runs their own practice, and is supportive of the law) are planning on retiring if this is fully implemented. Already many small city & rural hospitals are talking about the Medical (Medicaid for the rest of you) influx putting them out of business should it be implemented.

Like it or hate it, this bill was way too ambitious, and with more than 1,000 waivers issued by Obama to primarily DEMOCRAT areas with democrat reps, it is clear that they know this law is a cluster.... why else is a large % of waivers being given to businesses / organizations in Pelosi territory?

This is more of the liberal same - do as I say, not as I do.

If Obamacare can collect as a tax, the bill is not legal, as it originated in the Senate. All tax / revenue bills must originate in the House.

If it is not a tax, it is not Constitutional as the court said.

So either way, this is going away, it is just a matter of when.

Misterwonderful, the same plan has been in effect for several years in Massachusetts and the vast majority of doctors approve of it.

Massachusetts medical doctors show strong support for plan

88% of Massachusetts physicians believe Massachusetts reform improved, or did not affect, care or quality of care. 79% believe Massachusetts reform helped previously uninsured. 75% Believe Massachusetts reform should be continued. (slide #35 - 36th page)

BlueCrossFoundation.org - Health Reform in Massachusetts: Assessing the Results - April 2011

Whenever something like this comes up, I don't even need to turn on the tube or radio. I can tell what's being spewed by Limpbough and his ilk by the moronic comments made by the conservatives. Do you people even listen to what you're parroting? I mean do you?

Get a brain. The guy shooting this down was once a hospital CEO. That right there should tell you it's a good idea for regular people.

What a bunch of hysterical ranting. Let me make a couple of sane points.

1) If Scott doesn't implement the exchanges, the Federal Government WILL come in and do it. That's in the law that was just upheld.

2) Taxpayers in Florida are going to continue paying Federal taxes, even if Scott doesn't take the money and use it to his constituent's benefit by implementing the Medicaid extension. This is a strategy known as, "cutting off your nose, despite your face."

3) Scott already has his health insurance, and obviously doesn't care whether Floridians that he is supposed to be helping get theirs or not. Sucks to be a Floridian.

Scales, Obama DOES deserve full credit for killing Bin Laden. He restored the objective after Bush had given up, and took the bold move of taking the risk of a mission that others weren't so sure of.

You sound like one of those folks who wants to change history since you just can't accept the truth that W was the most damaging, disastrous president we ever had.

It always amazes me how so called "Pro Life" Republicans demand that health care be limited - thereby sentencing many to death.

Neither Scott nor Florida get to cherry-pick the laws they will and will not follow. If this POS does not follow the law of the land, let the Justice Dept. prosecute his a##.

This new unhonorable GOP we are all having to deal with is truly unthinkable given the dire straights this country was in when Obama took office. Besides the time and treasure we wasted during Cheney's term, they continue to waste time and treasure in this term. This entire health care fiasco is entirely political. The obviously unhonorable new GOP brought it and obviously are not going to let go of it. The GOP stain of dishonor on our flag continues to grow. Nothing more, nothing less.

Govs. Scott and Jindal should read the bill more closely. They are within their rights to not expand Medicaid, but with regards to the exchanges, if the state government does not do the job, the Federal Government is authorized to do it for them.

Also, didn't we hear a whole lot of kvetching from the right about Obama refusing to follow the law a couple weeks ago. Pot, meet kettle.

In general, the Democrats would be the most horrid looking, corrupt political party if they didn't have the Republicans to make them look good.

just so we can set the record straight. rick scot is the govenor of my state. i live in a ruby red district. i don't know anybody that likes him. his approval rating is at 31%. why you ask? be cause he has done nothing to help the people of this state. he didn't take the money for high speed ral and that would have created jobs. the money went somewhere else. he cut essential programs to the poor and disabled. denied food to those that need it. and now he will defy the govt. again and not set up the exchanges. well that is stupid because in novemebr if he dosen't do it the feds will. to not take the money for medicaid expansion is nut's. it cost's the state zero dollars. this guy will be beat by any democrat that comes along. he will be a one term governor. let's face it he's a felon and had we had a better democrat running he would never be Governor.

Nevada and Maine both got exemptions,along with 1000's of other Democratic supporters so why not Flordia?

Scott's days are numbered in Florida.

and they go on and on and on the Governors will do what they are told like it or not.

The federal Government rules the road it doesnt matter if your from the Animal house Party you will do as your told period.Republicans talk just to here themselve talk n

.The Average American with a 10th grade education knows better than most of them bla bla bla and they go on and on making themselves look even dumber than they are

Barak Obama is and he has broken so many promises and lied to the American people on multiple fronts:
1). Gitmo closed in year 1 (nope)
2). Deficit reduced by half by end of term (nope)
3). Most transparent presidency ever (nope)
4). The HC mandate is not a tax (nope)
5). Stimulus bill will keep unemployment under 8% (nope)
He is inherently dishonest.

Failure of a prediction is not inherently dishonest, it simply means one is not very good at prediction. It's hard to predict exactly what unemployment will be or how successful any government program will be until it is implemented - that takes care of #2 and #5. More importantly, many of those failures were a result of deliberate Republican obstructions, that's certainly true of the Gitmo non-closure, and the Republican lead extension of the Bush tax cuts are a major factor in continuing high deficits, just as they were under the Bush administration.

The Supreme Court defining the "mandate penalty" as a tax was unexpected, but that penalty in the law was well known at the time Obama made his statement. Do you consider other fees or criminal penalties to be a "tax"? It's a "tax" with a huge loophole - anybody can avoid it by buying health insurance.

That leaves only the remote possibility of the "most transparent President" dishonesty - and even that can be excused, as having not been President before, he could not have realized the degree of confidentiality and security required in that office.

As an almost life-long Floridian - I am embarrassed that this lunatic is the Gov. More than embarrassed, I am afraid of how the many right wing lunatic fringe Republicans in this State think he speaks the truth and voted for him. Give me the good old days when Lawton Chiles was the Gov. Scott has crazy eyes like Bachman.

Scott has to go. I am sure he will want to now that this new avenue is open to steal from. Maybe the next time he won't get caught. It still amazes me that the people of Florida would elect a thief. It is apparent that he has no compassion for the people in his state, one third of which have no insurance. I am sure he feels that they, like him, can just submit bogus medicare charges to the Federal Government to make ends meet.

freedomfrys

Neither Scott nor Florida get to cherry-pick the laws they will and will not follow. If this POS does not follow the law of the land, let the Justice Dept. prosecute his a##.

Maybe you should clue obama in on your thoughts....seems he's just fine with cherry picking which laws to enforce.

@MisterWonderful ....good to see how misinformed about this bill you really are. And on bills in general. H.R. 3590 the ACA bill has the designation H.R. because it did originate in the House of Representatives. If it had originated in the Senate like you say and what all the right-wing talking heads are going to try and make you believe it would have been designated S. 3590.

Thank you, teabaggers and redumblicans for Uncle Fester. I cannot be more than proud to see how this nit wit, along with the majority he has in the legislature, destroy this state. Wasn't he the one who wanted to impose mandatory drug testing to welfare recipients, only to send them to the lab run by his wife?

You got it. The Governor for all of the people of Florida. The state with the third highest rate of uninsured and the lowest rate on Medicaid. That translates into the highest insurance rates and one of the stingiest states with Medicaid. We don't need no stinking affordable healthcare. Our Governor is well taken care of and he is more important than all of the rest of us combined.

scales 67 - you need to get some facts before telling others to "check their facts."

@uaw,

Go back and review your post. Did you even make it to the 10th grade?

When you can string a sentence or two together, come back and post. Otherwise, spare us your unintelligible nonsense.

It's quite amusing to see people shocked and bickering because they were lied to by politicians. They are snakes. They can't change into something else. They are by nature, liars, and yet still people are shocked that they were lied to by politicians.

Also, unless everyone is included in this bizarro "health care" scheme, then no one should be forced in. Ask yourselves why Obama and other politicians are exempt. Why will no one answer this question? It's because we all know the answer.

So, do you think Mitt will choose him as a running mate now? I can't see how, especially since Mitt's claim has been that states know how to run their own plans better than the federal government, and Scott had abdicated any input.

"Nevada and Maine both got exemptions,along with 1000's of other Democratic supporters so why not Flordia?"

Any state can be exempted if they come up with their own plan that is as good or better than the federal one. For instance, MA will keep what they now have. You are incorrect that '1000s of Democratic supporters' got exemptions. They did not. A number of companies got waivers, a one-year extension for the requirement of having to comply with the all the parts of the law.

Robert Maxwell:

Misterwonderful, the same plan has been in effect for several years in Massachusetts and the vast majority of doctors approve of it.

The PP and ACA are NOT the same law as in MA. Only about 60/62 pages are taken from the MA law. 60/62 out of 2,700 + pages can not be called the same thing.

A thinly veiled attempt toward Privatization of ALL HEALTHCARE, SENIOR CARE, PRISONS and others federal programs... With the baby boomers coming of age, this was suppose to be the largest group of $ to enter the market. Remember, this is the largest group which has deep pockets (because of pension, 401 and other retirement plans) that has entered the retirement market.

HUGE!!!! So please how is a CEO who specialized in fleecing $ from health patients (see complaints and suits against his patientcare corp) stand loosing that much profit!!! Well, he simply will not put up with it!!!!!

LOL...

Scott's reaction is simple pandering to idiots, forcing the assumption that he is an idiot. For the first year, the goverment pays 100% of the costs and thereafter 95%. This is more than offset (many times over) by the amount the state saves by seriously lowered indigent care.

One thing that Scott "forgot" about is goinmg to be the effect on the "snowbird" crown. There are already warnings to Canadians traveling to the US to be careful and buy health insurance before they leave Canada. An area of great concern in the past has been Florida and its very poor and overburdened indigent care which frequently hits the Canadian papers. Anything that makes that quality worse is going to be read about by every Canadian and all those Loonies (Canadian dollars) will go elsewhere.

@ scales67 - The mission to get bin Laden was certainly not made "years in advance" and President Obama most certainly did direct the team to come up with the plan on how it would be done and made the ultimate decision to send the Seals in, rather than send a drone to just blow the place up. You're trying to change facts just because you don't want Obama to get the credit, but he certainly deserves it, along with the Seals and their commanders who made sure the right people were on the task. In case your memory is that faulty, Bush said they weren't even concerned about getting bin Laden anymore and they were not actively looking for him. President Obama ordered that finding him be a priority for the US again and they located him. President Obama had the military and CIA present him with all the options and he chose the direct route so that we would know for certain that we got him. All of his adviser's- both military and civilian, have given the president the credit for making the decisions just as they give the Seal team the credit for carrying out the raid.

What remains to be seen is how long these Scotts can hold out against their own hospital networks for refusing to play along with the Medicaid section of the ACA. This federal money will ultimately make its way to state health care systems and if you think they're going to pass on it because some TP governor is all principled up over it, I got a bridge to sell you. As Bugs Bunny is fond of saying, "Wadda Maroon!"

myspellcheckerisbroken: Nobody is answering your question because it would require giving validation to the lie you posted as fact that politicians are exempt from the bill. But just to satisfy your seemingly Google-impaired curiosity, please read this article, one of many that have been out for months and months.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2011/12/08/congress-exempted-from-obamacare/

Heck, I'll even provide you with the important part...

Indeed, you may be surprised to learn that once the lion’s share of the ACA kicks in on January 1, 2014, not only are Members of Congress and their staff obligated to play by the same rules as the rest of us, they will actually be required to follow a more restrictive path to their health insurance than you and I.

Three years of 100% payment by the Federal Goverment, with only 10% payments by States afterwards...

I can see how this is nothing but a win-win for States and the People, thanks to the Federal Government.

Well, Governor Scott and his Florida Representatives could seek to secede from the US, but that would be the only way that Florida is not going to have to implement Obamacare if the Repugs don't hold the House, win the Presidency, and win a 60% majority of the Senate this Fall too.

Governor Scott could get arrested as a traitor, and have his wealth confiscated too, and he could drag Florida's economy back several decades in the process too if the other 49 States have to send our troops out to retake Florida from him and his nut-job conservatives.

Or maybe we could just cut-off their Federal highway funds and close all of our US Customs, USDA, and TSA offices there too, which would effectively close Florida's airports, close off shipments of produce outside of Florida, and also close its cruise facilities to all but Florida's residents too!

Obamacare is going to be a whole lot better for the lion's share of us, and IF we can learn to work together as a nation again, we can make some improvements to it that might help to soften its impact on the most badly-affected groups too. Frankly, the Medicare expansion would be in our best interests too, especially if we can revisit the Medicare reimbursement issue and make some improvements there too. Otherwise the Rethugs have no plan except a continuation as long as is possible of those 15-20% annual cost increases that have plagued parts of America ever since GW was elected.

Anyone remember back when there were no deductibles and very few copays too, back when Bill Clinton or even Jimmy Carter were in office? If those 15-20% annual cost increases continue for another decade, more than 90% of us won't even be able to afford to have health insurance.

Perhaps the Rethug plan to lower US medical costs is to strip 95% of us of our health insurance by 2025, so that 90% of doctors will have to end-up serving only lower-wage clients with a limited ability to pay, which would be right in line with Romney's role at Bain Capital too!

Why don't we just put an end to the Rethug plan to destroy the middle class once and for all in 2012 and vote to take the House, vote for a 65% filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, and vote for a 2nd-term for our current President too, so that the vast majority of us can vote to impose an agenda for America that is fair to all of us?

Well since I live in Florida I can say most people I have talked to agree with his decision. By letting the fed set up the exchange it will allow the employers not to be fined if an employee decides to get coverage from an exchange and shifts the cost of running the exchange from state to fed responsibility. Granted 100% of the cost of expanding medicaid for a while but that 10% coming down the road will eventually cost the state a lot to an already bloated system.

Frankly there is no need to expand it because all the ones who do not have insurance will have to get it anyway or face being taxed so they will be covered anyway on there own...so they will still be insured...just not on the tax payers dime.

Hey, he's been breaking the law for a LONG TIME. This is just more of the same.

One day lets hope the system catches up with him. I'd love to see his crooked ass getting frog-marched out of the statehouse.

thisbusymonster,

Yes.

Concerning the Affordable Care Act, he states that he will defy federal law.

It seems as if he is begging for time in the big house.

Yep, let's hope they haul his zombie a$$ off to prison ASAP.

If he won't comply then why did he waste millions in challenging the law? He could have not complied without the challenge!

Fine. Cut all federal subsidies to Florida. Let Gov. Scott figure out where FEMA is when the next hurricane hits FLA.

You folks down in FL better get a handle on your politics; you've been a "thorn" since 2000.

lol, what a predictable blowhard. okay, governor scott, dont do anything about aca. the worse that's going to happen in the next guy in line will just do it anyway...

Neither Scott nor Florida can cherry-pick the laws of this land. Either this POS obeys the laws or let the Justice Dept. prosecute his a$$.

Amazing to me that these States are doing this. They are RECEIVING Federal Money for 3 yrs to expand Medicaid.........So, Florida gets the money and then BLOCKS IT? Are these Politicians idiots or what?

He is basically saying because its "Obama care" and he doesn't like it, he will just make ALL the low income people in Florida suffer because of it........ Vote HIM OUT.

The feds will just step in with their own plan and he won't have any say about it.....leave him out of it.

lol, tangeant2 said 'dumorats' - it's trying to think. It needs to try harder. I am so sorry the public education system failed it.

******************************************************************************

Gov. Scott wants to make sure HIS OWN health Insurance Companies are the only game in town in Florida.

Wonder what the highest rate of uninsureds (Florida) will say to that ?

*************************************************************************

JK from PA--- Fema is broke. Out of money. Any Fema money going to states with emergencies is borrowed money. The day of reckoning for borrowed money ( US Debt ) will come soon enough. It wont be pretty.

It angers me that so many politicians reveal their lack of compassion for the plight of people. In Florida, especially, a state suffering from high unemployment, high foreclosures, poverty among seniors and families, this governor disdains any attempt to put people before ideology. When Bush borrowed all that deficit deepening Chinese money to give insurance companies more money for prescription drugs, I didn't hear these Republicans moaning about that.

The hypocrisy sickens me. This is solely about power, damn the people.

Stinger 3.9

This is but one more of Obama's con jobs. He wants the states to greatly expand Medicaid for which his Obamacare abomination will foot the bill for the next three years. After that, the states will bankrupt themselves trying to pay for this expanded Medicaid themselves which is Obama's plan. By the responses in many of these posts, Obama is succeeding with his con.

The idiots (as you call them) are the ones buying into this because they are apparently too stupid to see beyond the here and now.

The Supreme Court ruled that states cannot be compelled to participate and cannot be punished for non-participation.

Of course, no one has ever reflected on the possibility that the cost of health care is simply too much making it impossible to pay for treatment or even insurance without an employer who offers benefits. And even employers want to get out of the health care game because they are being soaked by insurance companies, too.

Once again, we blame the people for corporate malfeasance. Like it or not, people will get health care and if they are uninsured, that means that those of us who are covered will pay for it with higher premiums annually. Either way, we're screwed until we find a way to address getting the costs of health care lowered.

I'd say you have been CONNED Wet Willy, by Faux news.......But, keep up your RepubliCON lies a bit longer...... YOU are just going to have to live with the fact that health care is going to be MORE accessible to those who cannot afford medical care.......... But, keep spinning...... WE know the truth.

KeenInsight You are right about the health care costs! And, they will keep skyrocketing! Just as the World Health Organization has said "America has the MOST EXPENSIVE health care in the World, with THE WORST OUTCOMES".

Health Insurance Companies NEED competition to keep their rates DOWN, and America can do that by expanding the Medicare option for all. To tell you the truth I am pretty SICK AND TIRED of my Health insurer (United healthcare) raising my rates (280% last year alone) and then they give themselves these huge FAT BONUS'S.

The headline of this article would lead you to believe that Governor Scott's comments violate the new federal law. But, every state must make a decision to accept the increase medicaid costs in 2019 after accepting federal government money from 2014 by using the federal defintion of poverty. Every state that implements the federal program will be in the "red".

Mitt Romney changed his mind on what he did in Massachusetts. But, after seeing what it has done to Massachusetts (and everyone is not covered), it is not the right thing to do across the nation. Massachusetts is one of the highest taxed states in the nation. It is one of the most densely populated states in the nation. It has one of the highest household incomes in the nation. It has one of the highest doctors ratios in the nation. It has one of the highest education rates in the country. My point is, Massachusetts was the perfect place to "test" market the program and it is failing. Now, you all are for implementing this nationwide in the name of allegedly providing healthcare for all. An exercise in stupidity. The healthcare law does nothing to increase the number of general practitioners needed to offset the 20 million more people covered. No matter how you slice it, rationing of care is the outcome. Or, since only 50% of doctors accept medicaid and medicare, that number will decrease because there will be more people with private health insurance. I appreciate the exuberance over thinking the nation did something great. But, the down and dirty of this is it will not work as advertised. It will cost more than the $1.7T over the next 10 years. It will lead to rationing of care.

Slinger 3.19

Yes, the truth as you know it is from under your tin foil hat. I don't know where you pulled that faux news thing but it speaks volumes about you to be obsessed with fox. You say health care is going to be more accessible, don't bet on it. One thing you can be absolutely certain of is that it will become much more expensive and limiting. Just wait until the bill for it comes due.
Perhaps you think this is a good thing because you figure that you can now have your healthcare paid for by someone else, which is the "I demand my entitlements", way all you socialists think.

Gullible people such as yourself have been so easily sucked into Obama's con you can't see it for what it is. He has front loaded his healthcare legislation so you "near sighted" people can see only some perceived benefits while completely oblivious to the enormous cost of this fiasco. You can expect around 25 states to eventually opt out of this healthcare catastrophe.

Spoken like a True REpublican. The only DEFENSE is to attack others........

Willy FACT CHECK some of your statements, this HELPS the deficit go down, not UP........Oh and I DO PAY for my own health insurance premiums....And, thanks to the GREEDY insurers my premium went UP 280% LAST YEAR.........while United Health Care CEO got a huge bonus.

Let us hope there are enough thinking, caring Floridians to change His mind. There is a prison cell awaiting this sum-bitch. Sooner Floridians send him on, the better off they'll all be.

I am a Floridian and so are some of my relatives. Governor Scott is a criminal. And, trust me, we will be making sure that Floridians who have lost jobs, and homes, understands that this Governor also wants to take away access to any medical care as well......

Lee

Gov. Scott wants to make sure HIS OWN health Insurance Companies are the only game in town in Florida.

Wonder what the highest rate of uninsureds (Florida) will say to that ?

Being creative doesn't make it true.

Truth is that the ACA is about a 1 Trillion tax on the federal side and increasing and may be 2X more at the state level being there is no money from the fed to the states.

You are demanding something of states that are struggling with annual deficits to spend more.

Add to that since the ACA has been enacted

Instead of health insurance rising at a 12 - 14% annual rate it is now rising at a 20 - 30% rate.

This spells bankruptcy for everyone!

England is still trying to unload it's Government sponsored Health care. The Canadian Health Insurance overseer calls their own plan a disaster. Part of the European Debt problems IS government health care.

You are trying to generously give something away that NOBODY has.

He WON'T implement a program that allows his residents to shop for insurance?

That sounds a like like he's pushing for certain companies to get all of the business. No doubt health insurance companies fear this.

I don't see him pushing for the cost of health care to be reduced.

@R. Scalzo--don't spin this. All states must establish an exchange where insurance can be purchased. The only thing that was struck down by the US Supreme Court was that the states can decide if they will implement the medicaid program as outlined in the ACA.

This is the part that Governor Scott in Florida and Governor Jindal in Louisiana have stated that they will not expand medicaid as outlined in the ACA.

Oh yes Governor Scott you WILL comply with Obamacare, or you WILL be a one term Governor. It's not O'bama who is cherry picking, it's you. You are without a doubt the WORST Governor this state ever had. I will be covered by the health care exchanges by 2014 or I will know the reason why.

it's so refreshing to see a politician who is willing to so honestly show the whole country that he doesn't give a damn about his constituents and instead would rather curry political favor with his party. You go boy! Screw the people. We're playing politics here.

JK from PA, Rick Scott is our headache. You have one of your own in Pennsylvania. I did not vote for Rick Scott. The margin of his victory was less then 200 votes, if Florida citizens had the authority to recall the Governor, we would have tried by now.

Here we have a 1 billion dollar war chest for the Republicans and they still wont win

Mr. Akron - once again - you don't know what you are talking about. Rick Scott is a criminal and a lunatic and was swept in on the tea party wave as was Rubio. Florida is a crazy state and we are notorious for doing stupid things both politically and socially but that doesn't make Rick Scott or Marco Rubio totally representative of all Floridians. We have a lot of crazy retirees from Ohio down here.

cool so by his reasoning, I don't have to buy Car insurance anymore. I'll just opt out. No more property insurance, ill just tell the banks holding my loan that I want to opt out. Don't need to cover my kids who aren't working with medical and dental, they just need to fend for themselves. Oh, going to opt out of paying taxes too. It's my money and I want it now. (((sarcasm))) See what happens when you make a pig out of yourself and just think me me me?

Geez, you don't suppose Gov. Scott and the good people of Florida happened to read another article today "10 States The Need Health Care the Most" and that Florida is on that list? Most of the states are Red states with Republican governors claiming they will not obey Rule of Law.

The same goes for Roe v wade in Mississippi -- They have just passed legislation that will close abortion clinics based on fake requirements that can't be met. These rightwing radicals who want a corporatist theocracy, and some of their supporters who want to overthrow the government, are bordering on treason.

Come on, we all know the SCOTUS ruling in Bush v Gore was bad, but did any Democratic leader make threats not to adhere to it? Sure Dems want an amendment to counteract the anti-democracy affects of Citizen's United, but they will try to do so within the law AND the intent of the ruling.

And of course, many of the GOP governors throwing a hissy fit are in the South, which to this day behave as they did before the Civil War with secession to keep slavery! As with any progress in this county, the Federal Government must enforce what is right for the people.

The supposed stand on "principle" (like rightwingers would know values if it bit them in the arse) are advocating harm to the people in their states. Any governor who rejects the Medicaid expansion is turning away funds for the poor in their states. As for the Exchange, this is just grandstanding, as this will be implemented either by the state of by the Federal government.

Douchebags like Scott need to get over it, accept the laws of the land and the desires of the people, or they should be forced into exile or something. But this new freedom -- Freedom from being stuck in a job because of health insurance, that will allow Americans to change jobs, move, start a new business, etc. is a new freedom we will NOT give up.

We won't go back -- Obama/Biden - 2012!

Miss KIM

People who all they do is listen either to ONLY all left wing sources OR ONLY Right wing sources then, Then either is woefully MIS-INFORMED.

I see only allegations, no proof all from the left wing. When you produce something other than a Left wing Blogger promoting something, then there is actually something to it.

Wade, you're absolutely correct. We in PA DO have a real problem in our "governor". He thinks it's real fun and games adding thousands of teachers to the unemployment roll book.

Still waiting to see if he had anything to do with the Sandusky cover-up.

DB Akron -- This is NOT a tax hike, and certainly not on the 99% middle class. I challenge you, and others like you, to have an honest debate. Of the supposed 21 taxes, only 12 are worth talking about, and of those 12 these are fees imposed on corporations and on the more wealthy citizens. The so-called penalty for the "common man" is small and not even enforceable.

And on the enforceable part, Rubio is a LIAR about the IRS going after people. Do the research and come back and tell us about the legal ramifications or even civil ones -- Heck a parking ticket is far more serious. There is NO tax hike, the rightwing want's to waste time re-litigating what has been made final, and worse are continuing with their fear mongering lies. Enough!

The reality of the US Supreme Court Ruling that the ACA individual mandate is a tax is the fact that the law can be repealed by filibuster proof simple majority in the senate. If Republicans want to repeal it, they only need to have Romney win and gain a 50-50 split in the senate.

dave20121 -- Did YOU read the article? Rick Scott says he will not expand Medicare, which is optional, but also says he will not implement any part of ACA including the Exchanges. While we're on the subject, he says he won't obey the DOJ about purging the voter rolls either.

He's not the only sh!thead Republican governor out there throwing a hissy fit and ginning up the base to get campaign donations from crazies who support them. The Exchanges aren't optional, and as for the Medicaid expansion, this is largely funded by the Feds. If I was an ignorant Hater, I'd say fine, because Red states pay less into the Federal government than the assistance they receive--they are welfare states. But I care about the large population in poverty in some of these states who have the same right to health care as the rich.

And from a fiscal perspective, any governor who refuses the Medicaid expansion will take a hit to their budgets. Not only because the poor people in their state will be an expense regardless, but because of the savings that will come from ACA. I won't be surprised if after the fundraising from the feeding frenzy rage settles down to see Scott and others quietly accept the money like most did with the stimulus.

If he doesn't he should be voted out -- Well Scott should be voted out for a long list of litany, including the state of Florida being tired of ridicule for election fraud and other fiascos.

BREAKING NEWS -- Just because less than half the nation likes something, it doesn't mean they can repeal it, or ignore it, and certainly does not mean resorting to second amendment rights. Any American who takes part in such despicable behavior is not a patriot who loves our country and constitutional democracy thereof. Be gone with you!

You wanted it, you got it, middle class libs. Now pay your Oblama taxes and be silent.

More government, more control, more taxes, more bureaucracy, more debt, more deficit, more regulation, more restrictions, more laws, more politics, more horror.

Less freedom, less responsibility, less prosperity, less individuality, less exceptionalism, fewer rights, fewer choices, fewer thoughts, less happiness.

War is Peace.
Freedom is Slavery.
Ignorance is Strength.

Obama/Biden
Romney/Rubio
1984

Welcome to the long ride as we circle the drain. Our elders and forefathers tried to warn us. We chose to be distracted.

JK

He thinks it's real fun and games adding thousands of teachers to the unemployment roll book

No one finds it joyful to lay anyone off. To jump out and say that is blatantly partisan.

I'm from PA and Know people in several school districts and My cousin recently retired form one of the best public School districts in Pennsylvania. I get the complaints about these issues every time I cross the border to visitso you can't BS me about it. Teachers Pennsylvania is another state with runaway union benefits, but not as bad as Wisconsin and Ohio. Retirement benefits are between 2 and 3 times the worth of the average worker (depending upon area) and starting wages vary from 1.5 - 3X the average wages who are paying the taxes.

In the last contract negotiation, the teachers got pay raises above the inflation rate, but were wanting to strike because the School Board wanted them to start paying some of the benefits.

Folks. Of my Family members (5) only one of us has a seemingly secure Job. Even my younger brother who works with robotics for prescription drug dispension for hospitals has been forced to take extra unpaid days off so the company can survive. Most people I know back there say the same kinds of thing.

The bottom line is, that if you want the big wages, you need to produce more.

freedomfrys

Neither Scott nor Florida can cherry-pick the laws of this land. Either this POS obeys the laws or let the Justice Dept. prosecute his a$$.

That's right only Obama can.

@True Patriot,

I am sure that it is all rhetoric. Everyone is waiting for the election. The exchanges do not need to be in place until 2014. Also, if the states don't have it done, the federal government will do it for them. The medicaid issue is one for each state to determine which is best.

The decision for Governor Scott to move forward on the voter purge was not a defiant measure. A federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton stated that Florida was within their rights to identify voters who may have fraudently obtained a voting card and ordered the DOJ to comply.

If it was that easy Dave, Obamacare would have passed the Senate without any opposition. The GOP will require 60 seats in the Senate to force cloture on a debate.

Just another ruthless, self-serving feature of Scott's signature "Screw-the-Poor" program.

DB Akron

The bottom line is, that if you want the big wages, you need to produce more.

Companies are making record profits because employees are producing at record levels. But wages have been stagnant for a long time for those productive workers. The CEOs, on the other hand, are doing great regardless of how they produce.

The election will be about a lot of things, but at the basis is the problem of growing inequality. One of the really great things about ACA is that insurance companies can no longer charge women more for insurance -- as much as 40% more even though women earn less than men.

FORWARD!

To Slinger-958418: You Are CORRECT And!!! the ceo of united healthcare took home for the salary year of 2008: $128,000,000 * C A S H *!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know with vampires like that, who have Rommel's Blessing, You Are NOT getting your money's worth.

It won't take long before the citizens of Florida bring lawsuits against their state for denial of their constitutional rights and the damage it incurs for them due to the lack of the necessary healthcare this law mandates the state's provide for them. It will cost the state of Florida many times more to pay off these lawsuits than it will be to just follow the law.

freedomfrys: Oh man, you libs crack me up! Gov. Scott can't cherry-pick which laws he wants to enforce, you say, but it's okay for Obama to refuse to enforce immigration law and DOMA (and don't-ask-don't-tell, before gays were allowed to serve openly) because he doesn't agree with them? That statement is just comical in its hypocrisy.

It will not be long now before those that have cheered on ObamaCare begin to feel the affects of the massive new taxes put in place to pay for it. Like every other government run entitlement those taxes will be painfully short and ObamaCare be another huge annual deficit the country cannot afford.

All those cheering on ObamaCare that stupidly think that the only tax to be levied will be on those without health insurance are in for a very rude awakening. The taxes in the ObamaCare bill are going to hit the middle class like a ton of bricks, and then we will see how much you really love this takeover.

The entire Democratic Party is doing their best to hide from the word tax, but there are in fact so many new taxes in ObamaCare that it required a massive expansion of the IRS to administer the program. When you cheer on the elephant in the room, you run the risk that it might sit on you. When it comes to ObamaCare, that is exactly what is going to happen, so cheer on.

The Supreme Court decision struck down ACA provisions that placed existing states' Medicaid funding in jeopardy if the state did not expand the Medicaid program as specified in the legislation. If Gov Scot decides not to expand Medicaid, he will actually save Florida a lot of money. ObamaCare is just another unfunded mandate on the states that they cannot afford.

The Governor for all of the people of Florida. The state with the third highest rate of uninsured and the lowest rate on Medicaid. That translates into the highest insurance rates and one of the stingiest states with Medicaid. We don't need no stinking affordable healthcare. Our Governor is well taken care of and he is more important than all of the rest of us combined.

Well in that case, Gov. Scott, we refuse to recognize the Supreme Court's ruling in Bush v. Gore. And we also declare that Al Gore get a minimum four-year term in office as President of the United States immediately after Barack Obama finishes his second term in office. Because we just won't recognize the Supreme Court anymore that's why. @!$%# them.

Thank you Common Sense 101,

I live in Florida (long controlled by Republicans) and I am one of the middle-class working people who can't afford health insurance. My employer doesn't offer it and I can't afford to pay $500.00 per month (1/4 of my monthly salary) for the state "pre-existing insurance" pool. I wonder how many writers trashing the health care act have insurance and if they have to pay for it all by themselves?

From the 24/7 Wall Street Wire Article: Ten States Dying for Healthcare

# 6 FLORIDA:

> Excess deaths from a lack of insurance (per 100,000): 12.06
> Pct. of population uninsured: 21.3% (3rd highest)
> Pct. living below the poverty line: 16.5% (16th highest)
> Life expectancy at birth: 79.7 years (12th highest)

The sheer number of excess deaths from a lack of insurance in Florida is staggering: 12,336 from 2005 through 2010. The driving factor for this imposing total is that 21.3% of the population is uninsured — the third-highest rate among all states. Floridians may have difficulty affording health insurance — median income was just $44,400 in 2010. Meanwhile, only 45.7% of residents have employer-based health insurance, while just 15.6% of residents received Medicaid benefits. Both of these rates are among the lowest in the country.

Read more: Ten States Dying for Health Coverage - 24/7 Wall St. #ixzz1zTiXwgGr

I'm curious...for those that are upset about Rick Scott's decision, how do you feel about this administration not enforcing laws such as DOMA and some immigration laws?

@wade--The ACA was passed with 60 votes in the senate. Do you remember all the democrats, including the president saying that the mandate was not a tax? Well, the US Supreme Court ruled it a "tax". Once it is defined as a "tax" it no longer requires a filibuster proof majority. The mandate tax can be struck down by simple majority and of course a republican president to repeal it. Also, if Romney is elected president, he can grant waivers to various portions of the ACA. Obama is already exercising his waiver rights for certain corporations and unions.

Nothing works as advertised. The health insurance companies are already asking for an increase in premiums. Some businesses are providing coverage as specified in the ACA and unfortunately, in order to afford the plan, out of pocket costs to the individual are increasing or the plan is increasing.

Since there is no penalty for pre-existing conditions, it is cheaper for a young person to pay the individual mandate tax than to purchase a policy. If, the individual gets seriously ill or injured, they can purchase insurance at that time.

For Florida, if medicaid is expanded, increasing property taxes, state sales tax and/or adding a state income tax just to cover the federal offset starting in 2019. The states have no choice but to raise taxes to cover the medicaid expansion.

For southern states, the medicaid expansion is larger on a percentage basis because the ACA re-defines the poverty threshold. The new threshold actually makes middle class families in those states eligible for medicaid. That requires more revenue from the states.

Not good news for me...I own rental property in Sarasota.

Sorry Dave, it did not pass the senate as bills normally do, (repost from else where in the news vine.)

Reconciliation was not used in the final passage of A.C.A. Reconciliation is only an option involving financial issues.

Scott? Brown won the senate seat vacated by the Late Ted Kennedy. The balance the senate went from 40 GOP 60 Democrats/Independents in the senate to 41R-59DI. He vowed to filibuster the passage with all the other GOP senators.

The Democrats in the Senate decided instead to return the bill to the house without making any changes. Then the democratically controlled house voted Obamacare into law. No reconciliation was needed.

It took almost a week, for all this to happen. I was glued to cspan for the whole time.

DB (wonder what that stands for? I could speculate). As far as me being misinformed is concerned - may I remind you, once again, I live here, you don't. Why do you always think that people who don't agree with you are stupid and wrong?

Shall we compare the positive votes to my posts as compared to your rants.

"Instead of health insurance rising at a 12 - 14% annual rate it is now rising at a 20 - 30% rate"

Uh, no. Premium costs rose 131% between 1999 and 2009. See here: http://ehbs.kff.org/pdf/2009/7937.pdf In 2009-2010, there was a 3% increase. In 2010-2011, a 9% increase. http://www.factcheck.org/2011/10/factchecking-health-insurance-premiums/ and are predicted to have risen about 5% in 2011-2012. See here: http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/22/pf/health_insurance_costs/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/09/22/pf/health_insurance_costs/index.htm

25Walker "Concerning the Affordable Care Act, he states that he will defy federal law."

No, the ACA has an 'opt-out' provision for states not to participate, which is perfectly legal, and actually, it may be in the best interest of the states to do so, since the Supreme Court also held that the Federal Government cannot withhold Medicaid funds if they choose to 'opt-out'. That would allow the states to design their own plans without the federal government looking over their shoulders.

I suspect that a lot of states will choose this alternative which effectively guts Obamacare.

The Supreme Court decision cuts both ways.

By the way. I wonder if Romney will pull an 'Obama' and use his "Executive Order" powers to direct that the federal agencies ignore enforcing Obamacare, like Obama has done in deciding that federal immigration laws should not be enforced?

"Gov. Scott says Florida will not comply with health care law or expand Medicaid.... The announcement is a marked changed after the governor recently said he would follow the law if it were upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court."

Huh, imagine that, a Republican going back on his word.
In the words of Gomer Pyle, "Surprahs, surprahs, surprahs, Sgt. Carter!"

Will someone answer a question for me? I have seen pictures of Rick Scott, and I'm wondering if he is still alive. He looks like death warmed over.

A majority of States (26) joined before the SCOTUS in opposition of Obamacare. Does that not say something about how Obama and Nancy forced it thru not giving anyone the opportunity to read it. Medicaid for i.e. A couple can make 133% of the poverty level (29,300) and be eligible for Medicaid, BUT additional income from Social Security is not counted in. When Social Security retirement benefits are included, the figure I have read, which seems low to me, is that such a couple is eligible for Medicare on an income of $60,000. Now does that make any sense?

Question: Never heard an answer to this one. Suppose I'm young and chose not to get health insurance, but instead to pay the penalty, which is a fraction of the cost of insurance. Now I have a gall bladder attack, an ambulance rushes me to the hospital. The hospital asks me for my insurance and I tell them I don't have any. Does the hospital throw me out into the street. No they operate. Who pays the bill? Guess what, it is the taxpayer subsidizing the scofflaw. I don't see any improvement here. True, the Hospital can chase me for the money, but I'm young and the problem will eventually go away or I can declare bankruptcy. (I believe "Hill Burton" survived Obama care). In this current financial mess bankruptcy is no longer a devastating stigma. So what have we accomplished -- nothing -- except pulling in a very few penalty $ and hiring thousands of new IRS employees to collect them, in exchange for an additional trillion $ to the deficit. Obamacare is inconceived and crazy. We have all heard the argument that one need pay only the penalty (far cheaper than the cost of insurance) and buy insurance when the doctor gives you the bad news. I have never heard anyone refute that. It is asinine. Social Security Disability has a long waiting period (1 year, 18 months, I can't remember) before one is entitled to Medicare. Could Obamacare at least looked at that idea.

As to Florida, and the other 25 States -- Let the South rise again !!

"A majority of States (26) joined before the SCOTUS in opposition of Obamacare."

Uh, no. Their Attorneys-General did. I live in VA, which went for Obama in the 2008 election, and no one asked me if I was for or against HCR when Ken Cuccinelli filed suit 'on behalf of' the state of Virginia.

As for the Medicaid/Medicare/SSI and earnings level question you pose, there is a misunderstanding about the difference between Medicaid (health insurance for those of very low income and generally not eligible for Medicare) and Medicare (which is health insurance for those usually over 65) and how SSI and earnings affect one another. For individuals of SSI-earning age, if they earn over 14K or so, their SSI benefits are decreased.

"Who pays the bill?" You are still responsible for the bill. Should you choose not to get insurance AND choose not to pay your bill, you will face the consequences. It affects your credit and perhaps your ability to get a job. Should you CHOOSE not to get insurance, you probably deserve to pay the piper. PPACA is all about providng access to those who've been unable to get or unable to afford health insurance. The penalties for noncompliance increase each year until 2016 by a preset formula, when it will then increase with the cost of living.

as a citizen of FLorida...and one of millions who can't wait til Scott is given his walking papers, i can tell you that this guy is an idiot.....he is also a criminal.....recd the largest fine in gov't history for medicare fraud....he and his idiot appt's and the family will be driven (one way) out of Fla when the time comes....as for Dave above who states he has a rental home here...God help you.....Scott is the one that wanted to undo Charlie Crists tax rollbacks and would like to add a state income tax......take that in your umbrella and chew on it

@WMG-21: Ignorance IS strength. It pains me to say that, but it's true. Never underestimate the strength, influence, and power of ignorant people in large numbers. When they bend their will towards something, no matter how misguided, it is a force to be reconed with. I wish it weren't so, but it is.

That doesn't mean I support your positions though. No. I think by and large you are misguided. There are some measures on which a strong central government must have absolute authority in order to provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and ensure domestic tranquility. There are other matters in which the government should have no say or authority. Less/smaller government is a catch phrase, the meaning of which I glean you understand too little of. It is a mind manipulation ploy, and an effective one at that. Now, does that mean I'm all for Big Brother? No. What I want is a properly balanced government; not one that you can drag into the bathroom and drown in the bathtub.

As to Florida, and the other 25 States -- Let the South rise again !!

YEEHAW! May racism, sexism, ignorance, and an opressive fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible reign supreme! /sarc/

Buddy, read my lips: the South is NEVER going to rise again.

Man: That was an "expression". Learn geography. Only a few of the 26 States are in the South.

As to DrDr: Obama never spelled out the details of "healthcare reform" in 2008. In fact the ONLY specific thing he said was he would not raise taxes. Read the SCOTUS transcript !! Verrilli was sent there by the POTUS to defend "healthcare reform". On numerous occasions while being pressured by the court Verrilli pressed the argument, on behalf of the PONTUS, that "not only is it fair to to read this as an exercise of the tax power, but this Court has an obligation to construe it as an exercise of the tax power".

I have yet to read one Article by any Political Commentator asserting that "healthcare reform" would have been passed if Obama had dared to call the penalty a TAX. The SCOTUS OKed the Act under the taxing power, not under the "commerce clause" -- let us get that one straight. If you don't agree read the Opinion, which you obviously have not done.

DrDr: You also do not know how our form of government works. The State AG is not a free lance litigator, he works at the direction of the Governor of the State, the same as Verrilli was working for Obama and arguing the position he was told to take. And, correct, you never voted for "healthcare reform" as it was never on the table with any specifics whatsoever. In 2008 you probably voted for Obama because he's good looking, articulate and spoke of no tax increases and transparency. The later two being lies. I'll bet you never looked at his lack of qualifications.

DrDr: I computed in medicare wage deductions that is why I said $60,000 although the figure I had was $75,000. And yes, if I was 24, working for $30,000 and got socked with a $60,000 medical bill I would file bankruptcy. It only appears on your credit record for 10 years and as I said, if you have a good excuse (unexpected medical bill) it doesn't bare the old stigma. BTW: Why should the young get medical insurance to begin with? There are two major risks and illness is not one of them. Motor vehicle accidents (your auto policy has mandatory medical coverage for your injuries -- PIP) and on the job injuries are covered by "workmans comp". So why should someone pay for double coverage. Just because they are young, don't assume that they are stupid.

Just another in a long line of actions by the Republican Party that PROVES they are unfit to Govern.

Why don't the Republicans just get the F..k out. Don't just threaten to leave the Union like Perry, do it. Then we can re-fight the civil war all over again. Morons!!!

Pat: Never went to school and learned to read? My God are you a voter.

"As to DrDr: Obama never spelled out the details of "healthcare reform" in 2008."

Where exactly did I say that Obama 'spelled out details...in 2008'? Oh, that's right, nowhere. But if you've been paying attention, you know that every version of healthcare reform legislation has been posted online at least as early as 2007 when I began following it. If you didn't pay attention as each version continued to evolve, well, that's on you.

I have no idea why you are attempting to argue with me on tax vs. penalty, as I've not said a word about it. The bottom line is, no matter what you call it (and seriously, who cares?), it's money you have to pay should you decide to be irresponsible and not carry health insurance.

I'm quite aware of how government works. We have a Republican AG and a Republican governor, and ignoring the will of the constituents who voted for Obama (who ran on a platform that included healthcare reform), our ambitious AG filed suit. By the end of the first 2 days following the filing of the suit, 10000+ Virginians had signed a petition to have him drop the suit. He didn't, and he lost with the SCOTUS decision, wasting time and resources that could have been devoted to the very real problems Virginians face. His other big accomplishment: challenging UVa scientists about global warming, another loser.

" I'll bet you never looked at his lack of qualifications."

Well, you'd bet wrong. Just like the AGs did who filed suit against PPACA.

"I computed in medicare wage deductions that is why I said $60,000 although the figure I had was $75,000."

In the example you posted above you have erroneously conflated Medicaid and Medicare. And you have your hypothetical example incorrect as well. The 2012 poverty level for 2 people would be $15,130 TOTAL http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/12poverty.shtml/ which if multiplied by 1.33, comes to $20,122 (not 29K like you claimed). The earned income limit for those who are of retirement age and qualify for Social Security is $14,160 per person. Over that, and SS is decreased. Those who qualify for Social Security retirement income are generally not covered by Medicaid but instead are covered by Medicare. And under PPACA, they will still stay on Medicare.

"And yes, if I was 24, working for $30,000 and got socked with a $60,000 medical bill I would file bankruptcy. It only appears on your credit record for 10 years and as I said, if you have a good excuse (unexpected medical bill) it doesn't bare the old stigma."

Oh, so as long as it will only affect YOU adversely for 10 years, it's fine to shuck your responsibility onto someone else. Huh....

"Why should the young get medical insurance to begin with? There are two major risks and illness is not one of them."

Right, but the third is suicide, with a root cause of depression, which is often treatable if you have health insurance. And with accidents the number one risk, the bills could be enormous to treat that 24 year-old. But that's right, you were advocating that OTHER people pay that bill as the 24 year-old could just file for bankruptcy; I got it.

ROY WILSON: I don't know how many of Obama's "Executive Orders" meets Constitutional muster. The Framers never envisioned it, if at all, except in defense of the country. Obama's use of it is total abuse, however, he can get away with it because of the lag time in the courts. Why Congress does not empower the Court with immediate judicial review, as in a preliminary injunction, is beyond me. It would end this defacto dictatorship.

"Obama's use of it is total abuse, however, he can get away with it because of the lag time in the courts."

You're aware Bush issued 288 Executive orders, right? Were those also 'total abuse' or does that term only go with a president who's a Democrat?

DrDr: You are once again evidencing your ignorance. Can you not read? Did I ever condone prior uses of the "Executive Order"? Did I ever condone Washington chopping down the cherry tree? I spoke of the principals of the founders of our Constitution. Do you object to that?

So it's just a COINCIDENCE that you only pick out Obama's use of the executive order? Ohhhhh, I see.

DrDr: It is quite apparent that you do not believe in our form of Government and the Constitution. Every time I have mentioned the Constitution you have replied w/ "who gives a s**t". So, by your view the power of the Government is a moot issue as reflected in your last comment. You can always get a passport and move, but do it quickly, before there is an executive order prohibiting it.

As to "prior knowledge" of heathcare reform, you acknowledge the Obama never preached any specifics but say the idea was on the table for some time. So what !!! The KKK has had its agenda on the table for over 100 years -- does that make it legitimate and something you would vote for. BTW: what happened to the promise not to raise taxes.

As far as the young -- do you really think that they will pay $1,000 and most likely more for insurance so they can see a shrink every six months to get a prescription for some antidepressant and do you think that a man of that age wants them, -- after talking w/ his friends or taking a couple he will flush them down the toilet. Get the drift or need I be more specific?

I respect you for standing up for your cause but get you facts straight.

Gil and DrDr, I'm off to work but I felt I had to get my two bits in. I have followed the debate. It's a good one. Gil made a mistake at day one saying Medicare instead of Medicaid. Caused a lot of useless argument, I've seen reports that Gil is correct, Gil is correct when he says DrDr "doesn't understant government" And DrDr's "Oh, as long as it doesn't affect you" is silly as I and every one else has to pay, His comment that SS retirement maxs at $14,000 is dumb. I don't know what the max is but my husband is getting $17,000 and I just recieved a flyer from SS that I would get $16,000 on ear;y retirement. I go with Gil.

Let the GOP and Tea Party cadre rave. They are getting more and more desperate. The current odds of Obama winning on Nov 6th are 68.3% to Romney's 31.7%. Obama is predicted to get 299 electoral votes. If the election were held today Obama would have a 77.5% of winning to Romney's 22.5%.

Yjopse are the numbers folks and all the lies the Republicans can make up and all the shrill yelling they can do won't do anything except make it worse.

@Gil,

You're absolutely wrong! Thomas Jerfferson was the most egregoious use of Executive Order ever! The Louisiana Purchase! He came very close to being empeached for that one. Ole Tommy was all against powers of central government until he became President. Then he wihstled a far different tune and because a supported of a strong Federal government.

Chriss: You have now joined DrDr w/ your inability to read-- go back, put on you glasses on, and a magnifying glass if needed, and re-read 3.77.

"It is quite apparent that you do not believe in our form of Government and the Constitution. Every time I have mentioned the Constitution you have replied w/ "who gives a s**t"."

Really? Perhaps you could point out a post where I have said that. Or not, since I didn't.

And the healthcare reform law and the KKK have what exactly in common? Oh, yeah, nothing.

"do you really think that they will pay $1,000 and most likely more for insurance"

And you know this is what it will cost a 24 year-old to be put on a parents' policy or buy into the exchanges, or are you pulling numbers out of the air? I vote b. And really, you know the mind of all 24 year-olds with depression. Really? I'm betting I may know more about this than you do.

"Gil made a mistake at day one saying Medicare instead of Medicaid. Caused a lot of useless argument, I've seen reports that Gil is correct, Gil is correct when he says DrDr "doesn't understant government"

So Gil can't tell Medicare from Medicaid and conflates the two in a hypothetical example that makes no sense and couldn't possibly happen, but I'm the one who 'doesn't understand government.' Riiiiiggggghhhht. Keep thinking that.

"His comment that SS retirement maxs at $14,000 is dumb. I don't know what the max is but my husband is getting $17,000 and I just recieved a flyer from SS that I would get $16,000 on ear;y retirement."

You obviously read as carefully as Gil does. I NEVER said SS retirement 'maxs out at $14K.' What I said was that the maximum amount of EARNED INCOME you could have before it lowers the amount you get from SS was $14K. Exactly how much a person gets from SS is dependent on a complex formula, including how many years you paid in, the age you are, and what your income and SS contributions were. It's different for everyone. Yeah, you 'go with Gil.' Neither one of you knows what you are talking about.

DrDr: I do not endorse another commenter as I phrase my comments carefully and do not like to be pulled into what they say. OneOfMany said you said $14,000 was max on SS. You say you never said that and said you were referencing earnings. I am not going to spend my time going back thru this thread to get a quote, but I don't believe she is correct and you are wrong. Find it, copy it and put up in response.

As to the Constitution my comment that you don't "give a s**t about it" may have been harsh but nevertheless true. You have no concept as to why I made a point of a "penalty" vs. a "tax" or why there is a difference between the taxing power and the commerce clause. You lack all knowledge of Constitutional history and the "executive order". Except in war, it has always been unconstitutional. I believe I made that point earlier. (See my comment above that there is no remedy). A few Acts of Congress do authorize it, in particular situations, but they are not relevant here.

You fail to understand my comparison to your following "Healthcare" since 2007 and following the KKK? I don't get the argument -- they are different philosophy's -- so what.

So now you are a doctor who knows more about medicine than I. Let me assure you that I know more about the law, and Constitutional Law that you will ever learn. Did you miss my comment as to men not wanting to take antidepressants. And how many suicides have you prevented? Probably none. I've had seven and testified in two murder trials and you a Doctor, was irrelevant in all cases. You could not have changed anything. Don't pat yourself on the back.

Here you go: "The 2012 poverty level for 2 people would be $15,130 TOTAL http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/12poverty.shtml/ which if multiplied by 1.33, comes to $20,122 (not 29K like you claimed). The earned income limit for those who are of retirement age and qualify for Social Security is $14,160 per person. Over that, and SS is decreased." #3.74

Took me two seconds.

"my comment that you don't "give a s**t about it" may have been harsh but nevertheless true."

Except you have no evidence of this, except that I disagree with you. And you know, I think Americans can disagree without being told they "don't give a @!$%# about the Constitution." But obviously, you don't. This kind of incivility, incorrect attribution to others without evidence, and strong dogmatic adherence to a position despite being demonstrated to be factually incorrect has characterized numerous discussions I have attempted to have with a number of you right-wing folks. It is disheartening.

And sorry, but executive orders have been used since 1789, and for various purposes other than only in times of war. So, if it's been "unconstitutional" all this time, according to you, how is it that the SCOTUS has managed to miss it? Hmmmm..... Guess they haven't had you advising them.

P.S. Whatever your law experience has been, or your suicide experience has been, or your experience of testifying in two murder trials, it's still just your own subjective anecdotal experience. I have no idea how many suicides I have prevented, because the suicides didn't occur. Have I had suicidal patients? Yes. Have I had them hospitalized and prescribed a course of anti-depressants and therapy? When indicated. So far, (*knocking on wood*) I have had no completed suicides. I STILL fail to see how ensuring that almost everyone, including those in early adulthood, have access to healthcare is a bad thing. Especially since, by your own post, the leading risk is accident (and the financial consequences of lengthy convalescence can be devastating) and the third leading risk is suicide, since there is at least the possibility of prevention available medically.

DrDr: I do not endorse other commenter's. They can say as they wish but I don't want to be stuck with their positions and have them thrown back at me.. However, my recollection, as OneoFmany' said is that you said that SS retirement income was maxed at $14,000. Take "two seconds" and give me the quote to the opposite.

The "commerce clause" and the "taxing power" are totally different. That is where you need some education. Had Verrilli argued the "commerce clause" he would have been killed, so being a good servant of the PONTUS he argued the penalty was a tax Had Obama not lied to the American people and congress that penalty was not a tax the legislation would never have passed. Your comment that who should care $ are $ is to say at least "bad". In saying so you acknowledge that you know nothing of the Constitution or the horrible ramifications that would follow if a "commerce clause" argument was upheld. Thus I said you don't care a s**t about it and I stand by that statement.

Once again read my previous comments on "Executive Orders". The fact that rape has occurred over several thousand years does not make it legal.or permissable. Does that make my point?

Lastly, I questioned why a 24 year old man would want to pay for insurance just to go to a shrink and get a medication that he definitely doesn't want (shrinks are known to lie about side effects). I said one's auto policy covers medical expenses and workman's comp for job injuries. That's double coverage for auto and job. Would a non-suicidal 24 year old pay $1,000 + for "suicide protection" that he doesn't need. Sounds like a con game the more you talk.

BTW: Where did I deny you Freedom of Speech. You are talking here, are you not. I said in so many words that you are Constitutionally ignorant That is free speech !!

DrDr: sorry about the duplication. My computer crashed and I didn't think the first draft was saved. It has not been edited but between them both I think you will get my point loudly - no bomb shell intended.

DrDr: With this computer breakdown something has been lost. I cannot tell who spoke last. I'm shutting down. It was a good discussion and I hope we meet again. Gil

"However, my recollection, as OneoFmany' said is that you said that SS retirement income was maxed at $14,000. Take "two seconds" and give me the quote to the opposite. "

I did in my last post. I even gave you the post number. That is what took me 'two seconds.'

I am aware that the commerce clause and the power to tax are separate. Perhaps you should have listened to the arguments. Here is the transcript where Verilli argues that the individual mandate is not unconstitutional due to the commerce clause. See here: http://www.npr.org/2012/03/27/149465820/transcript-supreme-court-the-health-care-law-and-the-individual-mandate And obviously he didn't get 'killed' as you suggest.

"Would a non-suicidal 24 year old pay $1,000 + for "suicide protection" that he doesn't need."

Again, you are pulling numbers out of the air. I pay an additional $83 a month to cover BOTH my 23 year-old and 20 year-old daughters.

Like all those oil companies, mega farms (ala' Michelle Bachman) and multi-billion dollar profit corporations? Good to see you have your priorities straight. Or are they one you want to have the drug testing?

I want to make sure that my tax money is going where it belongs. to people really in need.

Rick Scott's government health plan costs him $360 A YEAR.

I mean, he only spent $75 million to get into office, so we should cut him some slack on his el-cheapo health plan. He's probably broke from buying his way into office. Poor guy.

Wow Jose so you don't mind if the Governor forces people to go get drug test performed at companies he own stock in, in order to receive government assistance? Don't you think this is a tad bit of conflict of interest????? BUT then again like monster said, he ONLY bamboozled the people of Florida to get elected. Now he's trying to prevent people that are eligible to vote by purging them from the rolls WITHOUT any kind of notification which is a CLEAR violation of the voting rights act........

Good idea, if you receive, you will be tested, only fair, I want to make sure that my tax money is going where it belongs. to people really in need.

Except that all Ricky's little drug test program has done is cost the state of Florida MORE money, because despite what people like you might think, very few welfare recipients are drug users. Approximately 96% of welfare recipients in FL have taken the test, and of those, 98% have passed on the first round. But hey, Ricky's company is making money, so maybe he's one of those "people really in need" you mentioned.

Florida all of you need to VOTE that Dumb A@s out of Office and all Republicans.

The doofus spent magnitudes more of the taxpayers' money testing welfare recipients than he saved in recipients who failed the drug test. But he and his drug-test company friends made big money off the taxpayers, like he did scamming the system before he became governor. The new health care bill will put a serious crimp in his HMO scams that made him the billionaire he is now--I see why he refuses to comply.

Yes. Let's get this straight. The only way that Scott benefits personally is if the state of Florida contracts with Solantric as the company that drug tests the employees and welfare recipients of the state. Until that takes place, there is no conflict of interest.

Just like he wants to purge voters in a state where there were 4 documented cases of voter fraud, he wants to drug test low-income people but not any other recipients of federal aid--like corporate honchos and his other buddies.

Now he wants to deny health care to people who can't afford to purchase a private policy costing $2000+ yearly. No one should have to pay this much for coverage and few people can afford that. What the heck are we thinking?

Funny, I don't hear the French, the English, or Canucks begging their govts for our health care system. I think you may see increasing numbers of Americans begging other, less twisted countries like Canada for asylum on the basis of their imminent mortality.

Two thousand plus yearly? If it was anywhere near 2000 not many people would be complaining. More like 7000 yearly for me with 3000 coming out of my pocket first, that makes it a huge 10000.00 a year for single coverage. Somebody needed to do something, and so far the republicans were doing diddly squat.

@LMW06: According to news reports, Scott's company is performing those tests, so he has benefited personally. That's not ethical, and I hope he's tossed out of office soon.

Gov. Scott said that Florida would not expand medicaid in accordance with the ACA. But, he does not have that authority. Only the state legislature (of course, he does have veto power). As far as his company benefitting from drug testing...I would like to see a link because it is clearly a conflict of interest.

this busy monster

Rick Scott's government health plan costs him $360 A YEAR

It is a state plan as a benefit to his job. You would take the same thing if offered to you.

you are without any sense of shame,DB. Truly a good repugnican

I wonder if DB would have a problem with Scott and the teabaggers legalizing prostitution and opening a string of brothels the next day. The drub testing thing is as clear a conflict of interest as SOnny Bono going to congress and changing the laws on copyrights and artists pay. Absolutely flagrant and a very transparent effort to enrich themselves at the public's expense. You are wasting your time trying to disguise yourself as a moderate or independent,DB. You are a hopeless repugnican apologist.

Just a note--I meant $2000 monthly, not yearly.

Thomas there is an article elsewhere today showing how Obama is using every loophole he can find that to increase his monthly salary from $44,000 to $72,000 per month. It's all legal too - why are you crying about a $2000 benefit when Governor Scott waived his $130,000 annual salary as governor (is paid $.01 per year), the least you could do is pay for the guy's health care.

http://www.politifact.com/florida/promises/scott-o-meter/promise/641/will-not-take-the-130000-governors-salary/

Now who should be hanging their head in shame?

flbikerchick...(#4.5).."Except that all Ricky's little drug test program has done is cost the state of Florida MORE money, because despite what people like you might think, very few welfare recipients are drug users. Approximately 96% of welfare recipients in FL have taken the test, and of those, 98% have passed on the first round."

________________________________________________________

Until you examine the numbers behind the headlines....

"Almost 1,600 people applying for welfare benefits in Florida have declined
to undergo drug testing, which is required by a new state law. According to
state officials, less than one percent of the 7,028 welfare applicants who
underwent screening tested positive for drugs since the law went into effect in
July."

http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/drugs/almost-1600-welfare-applicants-in-florida-decline-to-undergo-drug-testing

Since so many applicants refused to take a drug test, it is difficult to draw
conclusions from these findings, according to the Associated Press. A majority
of positive drug tests were for marijuana."

__________________________________________

These 1,600 were people that even though it was widely publicized that the drug test was now required, didn't know till after they had come in to apply.

The Question is: How many knowing they couldn't pass the drug test didn't
even bother to apply ??

So, using the limited data available...1-2% (lets call it 1.5%) of the 7,028
applicants = 105 didn't qualify for benefits......add to that the 1,600 or so
that refused to test and the number goes to 1,705....add the applicants to the
refusers ( 7,028 + 1600 = 8628) ...

One can extrapolate that of the potential Welfare recipients 1,705 of the
8628 failed or refused the drug test. ....or 20% of those that applied or would
have applied were kept off the Welfare rolls. That is a substantial
savings...And that's just for NEW applicants.

The State reimbursed 6,923 applicants X $30.00 (cost of drug test) = $207,690.00

Average monthly Florida welfare payment $253 X 12 = $3,036/yr.

$3,036 X 1,705 (non-qualifiers) = $5,176,380.00 in payments not made.

$5,176,380.00 - $207,690.00 (test reimbursements) = $4,968,690.00 Savings in the first year.

And like I said.....no one knows how many knew they couldn't pass and didn't
bother to come in to apply.

The 2% number makes headlines but is clearly completely inaccurate.

Those not familiar with Ricky Dicky: he was the CEO of the company that has the distinction of being the biggest Medicare/Medicaid crooks in history.

The fine was over $1billion.

His supporters claim his innocence (he didn't know about it, he just didn't know) because he wasn't indicted. This is like saying all Al Capone ever did was cheat on his taxes, because Al wasn't indicted for murder.

He is also governor of florida (which is fitting in many ways) as a result of receiving the votes of 23.6% of registered voters.

Anytime you think, oh, why bother voting, remember that RickyDicky, Fraud and Thief, got elected governor of florida because more than half of florida voters thought that.

JimD,

The voters in Florida elected Rick Scott because we thought he was a better candidate than Alex Sink (sp?). Personally, I'm happy with most of what he's done. There are some things I've disagreed with (as will always be the case), but overall I think he is doing a good job, and I plan to vote for him again in 2014.

Oh, and before you call me a Republican lemming...I voted for Obama and Kerry the last 2 presidential elections. I am a true independent and I really don't care what party a candidate belongs to - all that matters to me is results.

He doesn't have to comply. He'll be out of office in a couple of years and his replacement can comply, because the chances of his being reelected are about the same as being struck by lightening and hit by a meteor at the same time.

This governor sounds like he has NO compassion for the growing number of "Have-Nots" in his state.

If the "bottom line" is all he understands, then SUE HIM.

SUE HIM! (...and don't say "it can't be done." IT CAN BE DONE).

rradiko...And how would you suggest someone with NO money go about doing that?

///

Just wait until his constituents (if he's still in office) start hearing about the benefits enjoyed by friends and relatives in other states. Scott won't be enjoying his tax-payer funded cadillac healthcare much longer.

Scott won't be enjoying his tax-payer funded cadillac healthcare much longer.

You'll puke when you read how much Rick Scott pays for his government plan. Just find my two comments upthread. I mean, get a bag too, 'cause it will make you sick with disgust.

Scott's heroes must be Ross Barnett and the old George Wallace. Boldly, these southern stalwarts boldly defied federal desegregation laws...into federal troops and U.S. marshals were dispatched to enforce compliance.

correction: until federal troops and U.S. marshals were dispatched to enforce compliance. Maybe Floridians should consider a gubernatorial recall. If they should decide to do so, hopefully, their recall will be more successful than Wisconsin's.

Floridians need to stop electing dumb Teapubs and other right-wingnut idiots to office.

Did I just hear Wallace's "interposition and nullification" come this idiot's mouth? Not much more than a decade later, though, Wallace became a fierce advocate for racial harmony. I doubt that very much from the ultra-wealthy, ultra right wing, Scott.

Scott will just pass his state's burden onto federal tax payers while contributing nothing. Way to be a mooching parasite, Florida.

@Thisbusymonster.

How is what Scott pays different from what Pelosi and Reid (both multi-millionaires) pay for their government insurance?

"Like other large employers, the government pays a large share of the cost of coverage. On average, the government pays 72 percent of the premiums for its workers, up to a maximum of 75 percent depending on the policy chosen. For example, the popular Blue Cross and Blue Shield standard fee-for-service family plan carries a total premium of $1,120.47 per month, of which the beneficiary pays $356.59."

Did you ever look at who populates Florida?

The difference is Pelosi and Reid are in FAVOR of Affordable Health Care for all Americans, not trying to have it only for themselves.

I am not a Lawyer (Engineer) but it seems to me that if Governor Scott has anounced his intention to violate the Law the Federal Government should notify him that he is in contempt of the Law. Send him a certified letter or better yet knock on his door and tell him when he will be arrested.

All it will take is for the Government is to get tough with ONE of these idiot Republican Governors. Bobby in Louisiana has 21.9 percent of his citizens who qualify for Medicaid but wont expand the program. Eighteen percent of all the citizens of Louisiana have no insurance. I wonder why they rank #2 in Deaths due to NO Insurance. Bobby is saying let them die. We don't have to follow the Federal Law and make Medicaid available.

What a bunch of stupid Republican Governors.

Carl, stick to engineering. Scott and Jindal are not violating the law. The law stipulates that by 2014, a state exchange must be in place. The states have been granted money to assist in that process. But, if the states fail to do it, the federal government will do it. The law stipulates that each individual state can determine if they will expand medicaid as prescribed in the law and pay for about 10% of the expansion starting in 2019. But, if the state opts out, the federal government cannot lower the percentage it contributes to medicaid. The truth is, it is up to the state legislatures. Most states will not take any action on the matter until after the November election. The reason they are waiting is because if Romney wins and the republicans get a 50-50 split in the senate, the law can be repealed by simple majority.

Carl

Until the time passes for the state exchanges to be set up, he is not violating the law.

Why does Scott say they won't create an Exchange? I don't get it, what's wrong with the Exchange idea? All your possible insurance options visible in one convienent location. What is wrong with that? Can't we all at least agree the Exchanges are a good idea?

jlwoods

The difference is Pelosi and Reid are in FAVOR of Affordable Health Care for all Americans, not trying to have it only for themselves.

It is only affordable for those that pay nothing now. Everyone else has gone from a typical 12-14% annual increase to a 20 - 30+% increase.

Explain to the world how the ACA is more Affordable to the people who were paying 0-1/2 of their health insurance premiums through their employer that get dumped by the employers because the $3000 fine is cheaper than another 30% - 50% increase in premiums that is hitting in 2014 because of final. Yeah, wait until they have to go to the exchanges and pay full price.

All you see is free for "me". Why on earth do you think Pelosi and Reid were keeping the details under wraps for?

They don't care about the poor. They only care that A) the pseudo intellects that give them the big campaign contributions want this and B) that You vote for them because you think you are getting something for Free.

They know when it all hits the fan, there is going to be a revolt.

"It is only affordable for those that pay nothing now. Everyone else has gone from a typical 12-14% annual increase to a 20 - 30+% increase."

Could you cite a credible source for this information, because it completely contradicts every source I have found.

Yes, because those intellectual posts calling our President things like Obozo and Obumbo are always so serious and educated.

Scott stole millions from medicare, walked away with more millions as a pay off from HCA and is now stealing from the taxpayers in FL. Once a crook always a crook.

Brian doesn't understand that labeling someone a "Liberal" is a compliment. By definition, someone who "thinks" liberally: has an open mind, thinks out-of-the-box, progresses forward, considers all perspectives in an honest effort to find a rational and fair conclusion. All those "horrible" things our nation's founders (see: Patriots) embodied.

After the SCOTUS verdict on ACA, considering the seething, radical, well over-the-top fits the rightie-tighties where / are having, I would add "emotionally and mentally competent" to my "Liberal" list, above.

No offense here, Brian. Just stating a well researched opinion (ya know, what us "Liberals / Progressives" do)

Proud liberal here.

Me too,but people elected him, so now we are paying for this.

Isn't it funny that I'm a liberal too, do my best to embody the definition cited above, yet i find Obama to be a complete train wreck and will vote against him and the left. This from a liberal right winger.

Do just what Chief Justice Robert's said, VOTE HIM OUT if you don't like him.

I was a Republican for 40 years. What the hell was i thinking?

Now i wouldn't vote for a Republican if it meant nuclear war

Before Reagan the GOOP was America Frienly now they hate everybody

Totally irrelevant but really funny. You should write for Jay Leno.

Rod from Indy, I very much agree. We need to take back the House and clean up the mess Boehner and his buddies have created.

Before you criticize his words on the private sector look to see where the jobs have been created, the private sector of course. But you have to put 2 thoughts together to have things make sense. I know that is a little difficult but it works. And Romney could use a teleprompter too but he would have to admit that he really intended to say what he says. EWW those cookies must be from the local store. Did he want caviar cookies or something? Isn't it funny what you guys have to grasp to find something against our president? Hilarious.

call fox you have no clue if your taxes went up your state did it because fed taxes are the lowest % since 1952 jose and the new law helps small business unless it's meth.

Jose deleon, first, may I see your papers that confirm that you are here legally? Secondly, Obamacare has a mandate to discourage freeloaders, it makes sure that if you can afford health ins, you actually buy it. So it's not a give-away, it's a ensure everyone has ins so YOU don't have to pay for some freeloader that shows up at the ER and needs 70,000 dollars in treatment. Why are you against people being healthy, and people being forced to be accountable for themselves?

I agree with you Mike-the Red it is strange that the party that preaches personal responsibility is deathly afraid of being held personally responsible.

Forrest - the GOP has changed from the party of personal responsibilty to the party of free-loaders. They want the rest of us to pay for their emergency room visits. They are too cheap to fund their own medical expenses. And they are too cheap to fund their own education - which is why the repub's have cut education funding in every state where they control the state legislature.

And this Jose is just a paid troll. In an earlier post - he claimed to be a retired military - meaning that he gets free health care for life. Now he is threatening to go on welfare to get free healthcare? Sounds like another phony to me. He is the type of guy the supreme court allowed when they allowed scum to falsely claim to be military heroes. This guy is the standard republican now (full of BS and lies about everything).

They don't oppose any of it - as long as someone else pays for it.

Actually interested observer the GOP has never been for "THE PEOPLE" hark back to FDR - when SS# was introduced - they have been fighting it tooth and nail ever since

And if Boehner says "THE AMERICAN PEOPLE" one more time - it's vomitoreum time

Have you read the latest Texas school mandate cognitive thinking is not allowed - what the devil is school for?

It has always been the Republican plan to not allow - the great unwashed masses to think - dangerous - keep them bare butt and backwards and we can spoon fed them - lies

And I thought that tactic is a communist tactic....!!! To NOT LET anybody learn how to think!!!

I will never vote Republican again unless they go back to being sane....!!!

Rod, the GOP knows nothing about leadership.

The Republicans are masters of obstruction, and failures in enacting sound progressive policies.

Rod from Indy-

"20 years of Republican mess???"

Last I looked, Bill Clinton was president from 1993 to 2001, only 11 years ago.

Amen.

So, Mr. Wonderful, are you saying that these folks are better off with no coverage (Medicaid) at all? Is that because making $29,326 or less for a family if four is rolling in the dough? Surely in a job like that you have plenty of money to spend, and great benefits that include health insurance for the family. I'd rather be a "second class citizen" as you put it, than a non-person with no health coverage for myself and my family.

If these Republican governors don't want to cover those families that would be included under ACA, they should do something to lessen the demand. That might be to create some jobs with decent pay and benefits, kind of like the Republicans that come to power in Congress in 2010 promised.

Maybe Scott and those of his ilk should go to Washington and ask them to work on the promise of jobs. Or even better yet, they could actually roll up their sleeves and get the job done in their own state. Better jobs, better benefits, less demand on the Medicaid system, more people with more money to spend creating a better economy in the state, with more tax revenue to pay the bills the state incurs.

The main fault in my logic is that these people actually care about the lower and middle class families in their state. Problem is, they don't. I can see it in my own state of Pennsylvania, when those businesses associated with exploiting the shale gas are growing rich without any taxes that might help to support the environmental consequences of this drilling, along with helping to fund education and health care. I suppose Scott would like to maintain a lower class in Florida in order to provide cheap labor for the tourism and agriculture industries in his state.

@ RodfromIndy

Can you provide a link to that quote? Because that is not what President Obama said.

“Look, I'm at the start of my administration. One nice thing about the situation I find myself in is that I will be held accountable. You know, I've got four years,” Obama told The Today Show’s Matt Lauer onFebruary 1, 2009.

“A year from now I think people are going to see that we're starting to make some progress," said Obama. "But there's still going to be some pain out there. If I don't have this done in three years, then there's going to be a one-term proposition.”

“This is big,” wrote White House director of new media Macon Phillips in a February 23, 2009 blog post, ”the President today promised that by the end of his first term, he will cut in half the massive federal deficit we’ve inherited. And we’ll do it in a new way: honestly and candidly.” What did the President say? ..."“today I’m pledging to cut the deficit we inherited in half by the end of my first term in office. "

No mention of a temporary increase; well, not until he released his first budget proposal which showed that the pledge had already been broken....

John in NW PA is right on the money or maybe I should say the lack of money. The median income in Texas is $11.20 an hour, that is $22,400 if they work 40 hours a week 50 weeks a year. Republicans in these right to work for less and less and less states incessantly complain about high taxes but they do not earn enough money to even owe any federal taxes, why complain about what you do not pay. At $11.20 an hour your problem is not high taxes, your problem is low wages. How many of these people are working and not paying federal taxes and use government programs such as medicaid to get by? How many do not have any health insurance at all? They rail against unions, federal taxes, "socialism" and government handouts and yet anything the federal government does for these people is a matter of charity, now isn't it. These people should wake up and smell the coffee, they better figure out that union busting hurts them across the board, everybody lost earning power in those states not just the union members. Bottom-line, united you bargain, divided you beg.

@Forrest--Low wages is so much more than union busting. It is about global trade agreements. Ross Perot clearly outlined what would happen if NAFTA was passed. The same thing happened with other trade agreements and with granting PNTR to China. Many jobs were lost. But, in order to compete globally, many companies created subsidiaries in foreign countries and moved manufacturing jobs overseas in accordance with those agreements signed into law by both democratic and republican presidents and Congresses. The result has been three decades of stagnating wages. Only now, three decades later, are we seeing the feasibility of repatriating manufacturing jobs because of the stagnating wages and increasing shipping costs associated with imports. Now, we need to allow those companies to repatriate those jobs by creating a tax deduction of using profits made overseas if and only if it is used to directly increase operations and jobs in the US.

I agree Dave to a point, but how do you explain the Japanese and Germans building cars in the US, using workers in the South as cheap labor. I guarantee you the auto workers in Germany make far more wages than those in a BMW plant in TN. If our tax policy's and such are so out of whack, then why do they continue to build plants here? Because between the tax giveaways and the low wages with little or no benefits we have made ourselves cheap labor for them, that is why. How come the global economy has not affected executive pay and bonuses? The average pay of a CEO in the US is 14 million per year and that is just salary, it does not include bonus and stock options, their pay has increased astronomically in the last 30 years.

@Forrest--initially, when Japan and Germany were rebuilding after WWII (with our dollars), both the yen and the mark were valued far below the US Dollar. If you follow the trend, US Dollar lost significant value to the two currencies. It benefitted the Japanese and the Germans to build cars in the US for several reasons. It was smart that they built them in "right to work" states since they believed that they could duplicate good quality vehicles without the shipping costs. The US automakers lost market share because of the perception of quality. I am not going to debate what percentages of union labor and decisions by management to use poor quality parts resulted in Consumer Reports determining that Japanese and German automobiles were better quality than US vehicles.

For the very reason that I say it is time to allow companies to repatriate manufacturing jobs by utilizing profits from overseas without penalty (tax) if, and only if it creates jobs in the US; it was feasible for Japanese and German automakers to build vehicles here in the US at a profit. Individual taxes are lower in the US than in Germany and Japan. Corporate taxes (after deductions) are lower in the US than Germany and Japan. But, other manufacturing jobs that moved to China and other countries can be repatriated. More jobs (even if they are only $11 an hour) will lead to more higher paying jobs and higher tax revenues.

I agree that CEO pay is a point of contention. But, it is one determined by the Board and by the majority shareholders. CEO pay has grown as a percentage of the corporate revenue. Much of that revenue has been generated overseas. That profit from overseas cannot be used to increase pay in the US without corporate taxes being applied. Corporations exist to increase profit and value to the shareholders. I know that sounds callous and unfair, but it is what it is.

People that make 11 dollars an hour don't pay any federal taxes, I made $11.80 an hour in 1982 as a grocery clerk, and foreign corporations are obviously not having any problem making tons of money in the US.

IC-638031, And that was the only time we had a balanced budget and he left us with a surplus that should have lasted for over 30 yrs, but Junior got a hold of it like a kid in a candy store and left the whole country near bankruptcy. Obama's policies are molded after Clinton's, but he has had an obstructionist Congress who's behavior borders on treason. Things will change after this election if the American people will see that their impatience created a tea-party in which the tea was spiked with wood grain alcohol .

@Forrest-it is true that people making $11 pay no federal income tax. It is true that foreign corporations don't have a profit making a profit here too. But, you don't see foreign corporations manufacturing in the US and exporting goods at a profit.

Also, you mention 1982. Add 30 years...Thus, my comment that wages have relatively stagnated for the common worker over the past three decades.

Also, my point is not that foreign corporations can profit by manufacturing goods in the US. My point is that US corporations that moved manufacturing operations overseas to take advantage of cheap labor and low cost shipping generating tremendous profits over the past three decades, have now reached a point where the shipping costs and the rise in labor costs in China now make it feasible to repatriate those manufacturing jobs. Now, just like the foreign automakers, they will do it in "right to work" states where labor costs are cheaper. Look across America...many service based companies are moving headquarters and operations to "right to work" states with lower taxes. What keeps some operations in high tax states is the availability of a higher educated work force. This is really all about dollars and sense (cents)sic.

My point is that foreign corporations are making a profit manufacturing in the United States. The countries like Japan and Germany that pay their workers fairly are using US workers as cheap labor China has a long long way to go before they pay wages that come close to comparison. It is about dollars and cents, but I have never owned nor will I ever own an apple product for that reason, I buy American when ever I can, and when I can't I often just go without. I can't stand these republicans that hate the communists, they have called me a Communists, yeah they hate the communists, right up until they are working for them at 30 cents an hour, and then those same type of people buy that crap from Wal-mart. Be American and buy American and you will see more factories come home sooner. Remember when Bush said they hate us for our freedom, they don't hate us for our freedom they hate us because we use their children like slaves, they hate us because they watch their child walk out of a Nike plant barefoot.

I am not a fan of republicans or democrats. They are hell bent on leading us to a world government. Most recently, Obama used our military as part of a UN action. Somalia was the first UN action where the US military was placed under foreign command. More of our sovereignty is being lost to the UN and to the Federal Reserve (a group of private banks). The US dollar has continued to lose value to other currencies.

Although some foreign corporations are making a profit off a cheaper labor in the US. But, they are not exporting to make those profits. This means that, by a world standard, we are still near the top of the living standard. It is true that we cannot compete with 30 cent an hour labor or poor foreign labor laws. But, the equalizer is the cost of transporting goods from the manufacturing nations to the US.

If the G20 nations all agreed to increase wages by 20% for all equivalent middle class and lower wage earners, much of the debt problems would dissipate. More jobs would be created globally and children wouldn't have to walk out of a Nike plant barefoot. It's because of this that I believe they don't want a solution to a decreasing middle class in America or in any other nation.

Also, as we continue to lose ground in the education race (K-12) to China and other nations, our standard of living will continue to stagnate or worse.

There are many solutions. Big government is not one of them. But, neither is corporatism, not to be confused with capitalism.

"corporatism, not to be confused with capitalism"

Now you said a mouthful right there Dave.

Outstanding Dave!

There is estimated to be between $1 - $2 Trillion earned over seas that the companies will not bring into the US. Our current GDP is about $9.5 Trillion down from $14 Trillion in 2007. Just $1/2 Trillion would be a huge jolt to the country without borrowing a dime (which is why we are in such bad shape in the first place).

They have already paid foreign business tax on this to the tune of 25 - 35%. IF they bring this money into the US they will be subject to the 38.9% Federal tax PLUS any state tax - 0 - 12% (no, 12% is not California, New York, New Jersey, or Illinois). AND local Corporate tax rate of up to 7.9%.

I always ask, and never get an truthful answer from our progressive/liberal antagonist.

"Would you do that?" Would you give up 39 - 59% of what you earned?

I think Obama care also includes the cure for cancer so it really is a bargain.

I couldn't agree more.

amen to that

I'm a Democrat, and I've never been against Republicans more than I have become over the last few years. They are getting downright scary because from what I've seen, read and heard, they only care about their own agenda, and nevermind what's good for the majority of the American people! Their view of this healthcare law is damning evidence of this. I don't like Obama's view on illegal immigration, but this healthcare law is important and trumps everything else.

Obama/Biden 2012

Obama is already one of our finest presidents - look at what he has accomplished in the face of the most fanatical opposition any president has had to deal with. With the USSC stamp of approval, he is now the author of the most significant piece of domestic legislation in nearlhy 50 years. Between that and eliminating terrorist leaders, he has done a fantastic job and is well worthy of a second term.

Four more years!

This one is for the REAL economists out there . . . just for my own planning purposes, when we owe too much to China for us to ever be able to pay back and we default on those loans (or, alternatively, when we reach the point that we owe so much to China that they refuse to loan us any more), what happens?

Republicans for Obama you totally ROCK!! Your righteous indignation and well chosen words are an inspiration. Let's cut the rancor and get this country moving forward again. It's been spiraling downward for over a decade. Obama is a world-class statesman of whom we can be proud and the howling monkeys on the right just keep embarrassing themselves with their unbelievable stupidity. As a matter of fact I think I just insulted monkeys ;>)D

I don't know, ddoughtyjd, why don't you ask the Republicans. See, they are the ones that said that debt doesn't matter. Oh, that's right, that only applies when THEY are in charge.

A Romney Presidency will be a BANE to America.

Obama couldnt care less about your health If it isnt repeled ,you wont even have insurance,m,OBAMA IS ONLY THING ABOUT TURNING THIS COUNTRY IN TO COMMUNISM

Take a pill. Turn off Faux news and actually read what it does for people.

Vote straight Democratic ticket? Personally I look at the person and their policies not the party. If I believe in their policies then I vote for them. I voted a straight ticket once, when I was first able to vote and I voted Democrat. That was in 1976, look how that turned out -- we got Jimmy Carter in office.

RepubsforObama: dream on...I will never vote for President Obama...I so vehemently disagree with his ideology...I do advise everyone to really take care of their health; exercise, eat right and do whatever you can to stay healthy to the best of your ability....we are headed to a 1 payor healthcare system where a bureaucrat will be determining what healthcare procedures you are entitled to...God help those that are approaching old age or are dealing with a diagnosis that may require costly drugs etc, bureaucrats will be playing God with their decision-making about what will be worth paying for..incentives to become a doctor? No, why should anyone go into the field when ultimately a bureaucrat is making the ultimate decision about the services that his patient will be receiving. If you're a critic of our current healthcare delivery systems, just wait a few short years, you'll be wishing we could turn back the clock...best wishes everyone.

Bureaucrats are already deciding what healthcare procedures people can have - the CEO's of the Health Insurance industry. What else do you call it when they refuse coverage for pre-existing conditions, drop you when you're sick, limit your life-time benefits, and refuse procedures that are "too costly" so as to protect their bottom line? The ACA will end these practices by the health insurance industry. The thing that changes is that more people will be able to afford coverage and fully participate in helping pay for their own insurance. Personal responsibility is good for all. And as for lacking doctors, it's still extremely difficult to get into a reputable med school, as there are always way more applicants than there are openings. Best wishes to you, hope you get well soon.

There will be NO bureaucrats, NO death panels, under Obamacare, Juanita. Tell me have you read the bill or are you quoting what fox news has told you?

As it is written Obamacare is NOT a government take over of health care, rather it is a set of regulations that sets limits on what health care providers may charge, requires health providers to accept anyone who applies, eliminates preconditions and lifetime limits, makes it impossible to refuse anyone regardless of their health. It is modeled on Romney care. The government has the right to regulate any industry or service.

tyranny

One liners, and insults, convince no one Victor, except those who agree with you. Since when are government regulations tyranny? I have been nice with you so far. I have a low tolerance for attempts at intimidation. Check out my posts else where Victor, I am not one to be bullied or intimidated. Either think out your responses and be civil or I will bite hard verbally.

Not to worry, If you are a family of four and live in Florida and make less than $22,050 per year - you're covered. If you make between $22,050 and $29,325 - quit your high paying job, find one for $22,050 or less and get coverage.

"when we owe too much to China for us to ever be able to pay back and we default on those loans (or, alternatively, when we reach the point that we owe so much to China that they refuse to loan us any more), what happens?"

China sends the repo men to Wal-mart to take back their crappy junk, we will have to make our own clothes and shoes again, we will have to go back to being real Americans, I can't wait for it to happen, teenagers will wear shoes again instead of wearing cheap flip flops everywhere.

@Forrest--if only it was that simple. The greatest risk that the US faces from defaulting on its debt is no longer being used as the world's reserve currency. Because we are the world's reserve currency, a lot more leeway is granted regarding our debt and printing money. If we are held accountable to our debt like Greece, Spain et al., we would see austerity measures and a rapidly decreasing value of the dollar, run on the banks and soaring interest on our debt. We wouldn't be able to provide capital to businesses that would want to manufacture cheap flip flops. Well...we could if the FED was ended and the US Treasury assumed its responsibility as the founding fathers envisioned.

To all those Republicans that supprt President Obama......

I welcome you to the Ex-Republican's club.....membership is growing daily.

Uhhhh, the Democrats are ALL in hiding. Didn't you see the Exodus from the Congressional Halls the other day ? Seems like a repeat of the Exodus from the State of Wisconsin.

Yep, we really need 4 more years of Mr. Obama and his band of crooks. Did I mention that 41 Obama White House Staffers and some of their aides have FAILED TO PAY THEIR BACK TAXES ? No need to mention the DOJ having his subordinate FAIL to conduct the investigation on Fast and Furious contempt charge. And not to mention another Go Green Solar company just went belly up at taxpayers expense. And the SofS gave away another $ 2,000,000,000 as a down-payment to the U.N. for Global Climategate initiatives. Finally, just one more.....Mr. Obama's intention on sending the Gitmo Terrorists to Afghanistan.

Yep, we really need 4 more years of Mr. Obama so he can complete that 500th round of golf.

The Democrats/Liberals cannot handle the truth.

Let me explain something about business to you, Ido. Some businesses succeed, some don't. The number of green businesses succeeding is large and growing every day. We'll be lucky if China and India don't monopolize the market - while the GOTea moans and cries about a pipeline for Canada, we lose valuable time.

Congressional Dems did the right thing - they walked out because they refused to be in the same room while the lying partisan witch hunter Issa conducted his vote in a desperate attempt to stop Holder from investigating voter suppression by the GOTea. The DOJ and his "subordinate" (amazing what you don't understand about government) know that this was an "investigation" put on for the benefit of the NRA and their ignorant base - a lot of American voters know it too, and the list is growing daily. And finally, President Obama proposed closing Gitmo and was blocked by Congress.

Let us know when you decide to tell the truth. We'll be all ears...

SF

Do you care to name those GROWING GREEN COMPANIES??

Sure here is one.

http://www.cree.com/

@ldo

Finally, just one more.....Mr. Obama's intention on sending the Gitmo Terrorists to Afghanistan.

I'm not going to waste time trying to fact-check your other claims, but I'm surprised you're not for sending them back. think about it for a moment. Where do you think they would go once back in Afghanistan? Right back to their other terrorist buddies. Either track them, or implant a gps device in their body and as soon as they have their homecoming party BOOM! They receive a Hallmark card via a missile from a predator drone.

Seriously, you make it sound like the President has been taking it easy on terrorists, but how many wanna-be Al-quiada(sp?) leaders are taking a dirt nap since Osama?

Come November, the voter will get rid of these do nothing Governors... It's time they find out that they were elected to govern not just put money in their pockets and vote no on everything that comes up...

I think this Governor is going to be a one term-er...

Are the poor and the needy better off than they were four years ago?

“Not since the 1960s, when scores of American cities were shaken by one race riot after another, have African-Americans faced such deadly conditions: high expectations and hopes running up against a reality of vanishing jobs, shrinking government budgets and a fractured and fragmented leadership,” Mead writes in The American Interest. “Barring an unlikely change in economic fortunes, we could soon face a new period of explosive anger and even violence; alternatively, the urban poor could fall prey to a new kind of passive despair and anomie as hope dies on one inner city street after another.”

Unemployment is the primary contributor to African-Americans’ economic decline, Mead says, although one-quarter of employed African-Americans have college degrees, higher earning power and lower rates of unemployment. As a result, he believes there is a widening chasm between the haves and the have-nots in the Black community, and as the more fortunate among them grow more successful and worldly they leave the others behind. BET .com

"Are you better off than you were four years ago?"

Ask that question of most Americans today, and the answer is likely to be "heck no!"

But a closer look at the statistics reveals that recent years have created clear winners and losers. If you're among the winners -- hedge fund managers, corporations, and owners of commodities -- the answer is an unequivocal yes. For the winners, it's almost as if George W. Bush won a third term in 2008. On the other side, there are the losers: the unemployed, the average American homeowner, the middle class American family -- and, believe it or not, the typical Wall Street banker. ABC News

Hispanic kids the largest group of children living in poverty

"The rise in childhood poverty is another signal of distress for the nation’s 50.5 million Hispanics, who have been hit harder by the bleak economy than any other group. They have one of the highest unemployment rates and saw their household wealth decline more steeply than either blacks or whites, largely because so many lost their houses to foreclosure. The Washington Post

You folks might just want to diversify your reading habits before the election.

I, and most of us, are better off than we were three years ago. I, and most of us, are worse off than we were six years ago.

Better question: are you better off now than you were after the 2008 (Bush) depression? Even Romney concedes that Obama succeeded in turning around the economy. His only argument is that the turnaround went too slowly. Easy enough to say, I suppose.

Rick Scott has been ripping off seniors his whole career. His company incurred one of the largest fines ever for Medicare fraud. This is just more criminal behavior. Rick Scott thinks he is above the law.

I hope a bitch-slap is brewing in Atty Gen Holder's office. I'd like to see that arrogant son of a bitch frog-marched out of office.

Oh, and he can relinquish his $360-a-year health plan too. @!$%#ing freeloader. Why can't he pay his way like the rest of us?

or maybe he HAS Alzheimers himself lol,lol

Yes, he is the same Governor Scott who turned down Billions of Federal dollars to build a high speed rail syatem between Orlando and Tampa. He said NO because it MIGHT not be profitable and would cost Floridians tax money to operate.

How about that he turned down Billions of Federal dollars 000's of new Jobs because the rail line MIGHT not be profitable. He keeps saying he has generated 50,00 new jobs but when asked where he gets very evasive. Governor SWcott is a very good LIAR and thief. He stole Billions from medicare but got off scott free by blaming the problem on the clerks. I assume he did not know the clerks were making him a Billionaire BULL.

Not to worry.

Arizona has been spanked.

Florida exchanges will move forward, the Feds will just do it for them if Scott or any Gov refuses. Its in the Bill.

Mississippi will be handled.

Nicely stated. And terrifyingly true.

What kills me is all these people who claim to care so much about responsibility and patriotism are willing to carry Scott's banner when he does something so anti-American. The Constitution IS this country and to fail to recognize it (here, the supremacy clause) and to refuse to follow it is un-American.

No one ever said democracy was easy. No one ever promised that every result the Constitution requires is something you would like. CJ Roberts, who used to be so loved and lauded, is mature enough to realize that the Big C controls. I have no doubt he hates the healthcare law, but he did his duty as he sees under the Constitution. I might not always agree with his decisions, but from now on I will have a whole lot more respect for them.

well said Jim and I totally agree. I am a Floridian and totally in favor of impeaching Rick Scott. He is violating my rights as an American by not upholding Federal law. I am also very concerned about the deep divide in our country & the blatant disrespect and hatred by the "right" of the executive office.

Scott is just following the example set by Obama: ignore any law that you don't like. See, Obama DOES have some leadership skills!

havesomesense, too bad you have none. Idiot. The only people trying to ignore the law are republican reprobates.

Bobbski, while I agree with your sentiment; you should not have insulted Havesomesense, this conversation should be polite and on point.

Bobski, what do you call all the executive orders that President Obama has used to subvert current laws? The most recent being the order to not enforce the deportation of those under 30 who came here illegally?

He has initiated 900 executive orders bypassing our elected representatives (The Western Center for Journalism); in contrast Bush only had 171 (National Archives).

900 executive orders? To my knowledge, there have only been less then 10. If you can list 100 of the orders from government I will find the other 800 online.

Bobbski has nothing to apologize for.

Everyone has choices, If you make less that $22,050 stay in Florida, If you make between $22,050 and $29,325 leave the state. If you make over $29,325 you probably don't want to live in Florida anyway.

WOW!!! I was under the impression that he only issued one executive order, and that was about two weeks ago. I would certainly fact check that 900 number I think someone's nose is growing!

How many of you have actually downloaded and read the SCOTUS ACA decision?

It's absolutely loaded with language limiting the Commerce Clause, and language promoting State Rights. Roberts "surprise" ruling lays a very firm foundation for states to thumb their noses at the Federal Government.

This Floridian did not vote for the sorry bastard.

Me too!!!But we have fanatic with blind eyes ,brainwashed .

Texas and Florida are in the top five states for the highest number of illegal immigrants which adds to the number of uninsured. Statemaster . com

Florida's uninsured number dramatically increased because it was one of the hardest hit states in the "great recession". "The rate of uninsured in Florida also rose during the past four years, as the Sunshine State has had one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, standing at 10.7 percent in July. The rate of the uninsured went from 19. 6 percent in 2007-2008 to 21.3 percent in 2009-2010, the Census data showed. (the national average is 16%). Associated Press - Dayton News Journal

Scott took office in 2010...

He leaves office in 2016, and good riddance to Rick Scott.

This Floridian Agrees

Too True!

Maybe Gov Scott will walk out of Florida like the dems just did on the contempt vote or move to another state like the Wisconsin reps did.

Every time I hear more of the blatant lies and obstructionist rhetoric coming out of the Right Wingers all I see is folks in the white KKK outfits because at the heart of a lot going on is racism pure and simple. They can use their phoney bible verses and pretend moral superiority and pioneer spirit, but the elephant in the room from the beginning is the fact that a black man and his family are residents of the White House and they cannot accept that. I see the "jokes" that go around the email circuits and they are all about bigotry. We fought a civil war over 100 years ago and enacted civil rights laws in the 60S and 70s to come to this??? Shameful!!

Boehner is scared $hitless by the tea baggers, He has a yellow stripe up his back and yellow stains on his underwear.

ryiann: you state that "if the governor does not comply with the law of the land, then hold him accountable..."

Hmm, well I guess we're going to have to hold President Obama accountable too, by ignoring federal law on illegal immigration, he is just as accountable as anyone else that is not enforcing the law of the land.

Catherine - You are exactly correct! No matter how much the right-wing denies it, the main reason they hate Obama is because he is black and is in the White House. They can't stand it and, like you said, the bigotry and hate you see on e-mails are truly disgusting. Sad, shameful, hateful, bigoted, hypocritical but true.

Kim and Catherine, I don't want to sound professorial but, along with a lot of other people, you really should develop the idea that people can have more than one motive at the same time.

This hatred of liberalism and everything it's supposed to stand for started before Obama took office. It goes back to Hillary Clinton's hair ribbon, and it's built up since then.

I'd guess that racism account for no more than half the vicious attacks on Obama. (For some deranged individuals, of course, it accounts for much more than that.) They hate him and his wife and family for a dozen different reasons and race is only one of them.

Even the pictures of Obama as an African witch doctor with a bone through his nose don't necessarily mean that racism is the only cause, or even the main cause. It may just be the sharpest insult that right-wing loonies can think up.

For the most part, the zealots on the right probably dislike him because he's young, smart, well spoken, and too tender hearted, whereas they want John Wayne as president.

One of the most important reasons they hate him with such venom is unquestionably because the good people at Fox News and conservative radio tell them that they should hate him. And, whatever criticism can be made of the extreme right, it must be said of them that they know how to follow orders.

Robert - I never said racism was the only reason but it certainly is the main reason. If you peel away all of the BS they spout and ignore the sound bites, the bottom line is that he isn't a rich white guy.

Their taking a page from the Obama Book on HOW to Ignore the Laws.....

marvalea -

The only oath that matters to these people is the oath they gave to Grover Norquist. Any other oath they may have taken, like, the oath of whatever office they got elected to takes a back seat.

Reg, you're a dolt.

It's THEY'RE not THEIR, moron.

Wow, bobski - each and every post you make is inflammatory. Can you make one post that doesn't include the juvenile name-calling? People like you are in abundance on this site, and are the reason it's so difficult to read/post here.

Marvalea: "is it not ironic that the GOP is constantly ranting about abiding by the Constitution,yet select only those portions thereof that it approves of?"...

I find your observation quite ironic in itself...President Obama has deliberately ignored upholding federal law as he has turned his back on the citizens of Arizona and the rest of the country in his decision to not enforce the law on illegal immigration. So much for your logic regarding what is ironic.

Well Juanita, he has deported more illegal aliens than any other president, so what does that say about his predecessors?

Sheila: you apparently missed my point and it really wasn't that difficult to miss.

It must have been, or maybe you missed my point. At least he did more to uphold the law through deportation than any other president.

Yeah, Sheila...he's deporting the same 1,000 people that come over the border everyday... they're caught, sent back but return again, but they count them as different people. The point I was making is that the President chooses which laws that he's willing to enforce...he's not protecting the civil rights of American citizens..I have no respect for him ("this is not a tax")...vote the LIAR-IN-CHIEF out of office.

I suppose you have links to back up your statement, juanita? It's easy to dismiss Sheila's fact with a baseless talking point. But where is your proof? Surely, the rabid right-wingers would be gnashing their teeth on the highest mountains (and in front of every camera) if what you assert is true.

Instead, the battle cry du jour is, "It's a tax!" Where were these "it's a tax" people a week ago? Oh, that's right... They were strutting around like sprung roosters, so overconfident that the SCOTUS would overturn the law that they didn't even bother preparing for the actual outcome. So, you're going to get a few boneheads like Gov. Scott here who were so unprepared to lose that their scrambling, stupid statements are also coming across as wholly unprepared. And these are the people we want running our government? I refuse to vote for someone who refuses to prepare for BOTH winning AND losing.

And stop with the "Obama is a liar" crap already. He's a politician; they're all liars. Did you also know that water is wet? We haven't had a president who WASN'T a liar. It's called politics. Smiley glad-handing and lying are at the very foundation of it.

We always have been an easy target for Carpetbaggers.

But voting them in as Governor?!?!

Just stupid, and proves elections are bought.

Rick Scott pays campaign workers with gift cards, not cash - PolitiFact

Rick Scott poured $73 million of his own money into his successful campaign for governor. Yet he wouldn't even pay his campaign workers in ...

He must be getting a pretty good ROI.

Republicans will cry and complain until the last one of them are gone. They know that their base is dieing out.

The Republicans are the new Nazi party there trying to bring back there Fascist way of life. Be warned they will stop at nothing to bring America to its knee's and install there Fascist agenda.

When I see absurd posts like Chris1999's I lose all hope for the future. We are doomed. I could go on about how the Nazi party brought Germany from a dying economy into a major powerhouse, i could go on about the science and technology that flourished... But that's not the issue here is it? Its a cheap shot of comparing a political party in a free country that you don't like to that of a complete madman and one that you somehow actually believe is right. You are wrong because you would eliminate freedom for your beliefs which is...what?

Let me guess, you are black or mexican and you cry constantly about racism and prejudice- yet you codemn and pre-judge all Floridians. The very thing you claim to hate you do. Good job hypocrite.

its that attitude that gives birth to the very opression we speak of! Funny thing is 98% of my family is white. I am a 12th generation American (since 1639!) and I still get discriminated against!

Its real. Sorry.

President Obama supported and proposed moderate conservative legislation as an approach to bipartisanship - Obamacare was a Republican proposal to counter HillaryCare, and fully endorsed by Mitt Romney in Massachusetts. Moderate conservatives you found your presidential choice in President Obama - Vote Democrat and be a part of the solution. Why stick with a repulsive cynical ideology? Cynicism is not conservatism.

I'd rather have a businessman as Governor (or President) than a community organizer. We need successful men (or women) who have done something exceptional with their lives to led our States and our Nation. And, no, working your way up the political ladder does not make you exceptional. And, yes, that goes for Marco Rubio too.

I would rather have someone who truly lived the American Dream and became President. You know, someone who inspite of being raised by a single parent and didn't have as many opportunities as others, he made the best of every opportunity that he had by excelling in school and eventually attaining a scholarship from and graduating summa cum laude from Harvard. Aperson like that knows the struggles of the middle and lower class rather than a person who was born with a silver spoon in their mouth.

AMEN, sapphire1976! Problem is, FACT IS, he can't do for America and its People because America is LITERALLY OWNED by Big Business, Big Oil, Big Pharma, and now the Insurance Industries. I FIRMLY believe, that if President Obama attempted to do what is right for Country, those greedy, selfish, Evil Doer's Racists, would ASSASSINATE his butt, just as Kennedy and Dr. King was, from trying to do RIGHT for Country and its People!